Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe has revealed that he is planning on staying at French outfit Toulon until the end of his contract, despite reports linking him with a move to Japan.

The newspaper Midi Olympique reported in November that the 29-year-old would leave his current contract a year early to join an unnamed team in the Japan Rugby League One.

“I’m not going to Japan, I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying here,” he told AFP on Tuesday.

“I still have a lot I would love to do and give back to this jersey. I’ll still be here until 2024,” he added.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is expected to join Kolbe in the French Top 14 next season after agreeing to join Racing 92.

“It’s a big win for Racing to get him. He’s a phenomenal guy, a phenomenal player,” Kolbe said.

“As a close friend of mine, wherever he goes, I’m happy.

“It’s a pity he didn’t choose to come to Toulon!” he joked.

In September, Kolbe’s Boks will defend their World Cup title in France, training at the training facility of the fleet-footed three-quarters club on the sunny Cote d’Azur.

Kolbe predicted that the hosts would win the Webb Ellis trophy after a run of 14 victories that included victories over New Zealand and South Africa as well as a Six Nations Grand Slam in March.

“They’re definitely favourites going into the World Cup, especially based in France.

“After their performance in the Grand Slam, beating New Zealand and then us at the end of last year they’re going in as favourites.

“We know as South Africans what it takes, the sacrifices,” he added.

This weekend in Toulouse, Kolbe will focus on facing his former team before the tournament.

After winning the Top 14 twice and the Champions Cup, he left the league leaders in September 2021 in a record-breaking transfer worth 1,8 million euros.

Toulon are ninth in the Top 14 standings after losing eight of their seventeen league matches this season.

“I was there for four and a half years, when I got to know the system quite well,” Kolbe said.

“I’m sure a lot has changed.

“Wherever I can have input and make things better for Toulon it will help and make things easier for the team,” he added.

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