Chelsin Kolbe has opened up on his decision to represent the Springboks against the British and Irish Lions instead of playing for the Blitzboks at the Tokyo Olympic Games next year.
The two big events clash in 2021, with the Olympics starting on 23 July and ending on August 8, while the Lions will play their first match in South Africa on June 26 and conclude their tour with the final Test played on August 7.
A Blitzboks superstar in his day before he graduated to become a Springbok yster, Kolbe won bronze with South Africa’s
Sevens team at the 2016 Olympics, but is yet to face the Lions.
He says of his decision: “It was a difficult one with the Lions being at the same time.
“Being a part of the Olympics in 2016 and experiencing that was incredible. Playing against athletes from all over the world and meeting athletes in the Olympic village are the things you want to be a part of.”
Of facing the Lions, he adds: “I watched in 2009 [when the Lions were last in SA] and ever since [then] I told myself I definitely want to be a part of that.
“Seeing the atmosphere, the way the
stadiums were packed, the amount of time invested when the British and Irish Lions do come over, it’s incredible.
“It’s a team I want to be a part of and play in those three Tests.”