Cheslin Kolbe, beyond his legendary title as a World Cup champ, is a father of three and a husband to his wife of seven years, Layla Kolbe. After an incredible victory at the Rugby World Cup this year, Cheslin took to Instagram to pen a tribute to his greatest supporter – Layla…
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The Kolbe love story, in a nutshell
According to an article published by WP Rugby, Cheslin first met Layla after a victorious Currie Cup game for the Stormers against the Xerox Golden Lions at DHL Newlands in 2013. He said:
“We had played a Currie Cup game against the Xerox Golden Lions, and after the match I noticed a beautiful girl in a red hoodie coming down Boundary Road outside DHL Newlands.”
“She stopped myself and Kurt Coleman, because her friend wanted to take a photo with us, and I have been in love with her ever since,”
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After three years of dating, Cheslin proposed to Layla at the very same DHL Stadium where they met, after a victory against the Boland Cavaliers in 2016.
One year later, in 2017, they were married and had their first child, Kylah. Three years later, their second child, Mila, was born in Toulouse, France. In February this year, the couple welcomed their third child (and first son) into the Kolbe brood, also born in Toulouse.
Cheslin pens a heartfelt tribute to Layla for her faith and support
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Cheslin recently took to Instagram to pen a tribute to his wife after becoming a World Cup champ.
In the message, he honours Layla’s unwavering faith and support that has carried them through. He also reveals the name of their third child, whose name had not been revealed publicly.
Accompanied by a carousel of screenshots of supportive posts and prayers that Layla has shared for Cheslin and the Kolbe family throughout the years, Cheslin writes:
“Speak it and you will receive it through the Almighty 🙏🏻. Babe, its because of you that we are who and where we are today. I literally went through your posts and to see this step by step belief that DESTINY will happen.”
The Springbok star goes on to reveal the name of their third child, who was born in Toulouse where the Kolbe family has resided during the player’s contract with the French rugby club, Toulonnais.
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He writes: “Cayden is our Toulon baby through all the tough times.”
He then pays credit to his wife Layla’s faith and prayers, which he says has kept the family going strong:
“You were always trusting for the world cup victory that would make up for the tough times. Your faith and prayers kept us going and made us strong! You are beyond amazing and I thank you and LOVE you for everything ❤️ ”
He concludes by thanking the support from the friends that had become family during the family’s chapter in France:
“To all my friends that became family in Toulon thank you for everything we appreciate you all 🔴⚫️🙏🏻 WE LOVE YOU ALL”
Cheslin, beyond being a Springbok champ, now plays for Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Rugby League One.
Upon returning home to South Africa to celebrate the World Cup Victory with friends, family and the rest of South Africa, Cheslin also celebrated his belated 30th birthday – which was spent on field during the RWC final – with a great big ‘back to back’ bash back home in SA.
Layla, whose support towards Cheslin has been unwavering, stands with big smiles at his side:
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WATCH: Cheslin Kolbe gifts 6-year-old fan with his World Cup winners medal
Feature Image: Instagram / @_jarryd
