Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe is recovering in hospital after sustaining a broken jaw and a shoulder injury during South Africa’s thrilling victory over the All Blacks, with his wife, Layla Kolbe, turning to faith as the family navigates another difficult moment.
Cheslin was forced off the field during the Springboks’ 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September.
The injury happened early in the first half when All Blacks loose forward Luke Jacobson ran over Kolbe during a tackle.
The Springbok winger left the field in the ninth minute for a head injury assessment and did not return to the match. He was subsequently hospitalised.
Layla turns to faith
Layla shared a photograph of her husband from his hospital bed on Instagram, accompanying it with an emotional message about the latest setback.
“Here we are again. I don’t want to say too much, but the enemy is definitely working overtime, and we rebuke and cancel it in Jesus’ name,” she wrote.
She said the family was choosing to remain hopeful despite the circumstances.
“What the enemy meant for harm God can turn for good. We choose faith over fear. Always.”
Her words reflected the family’s Christian faith, which has previously been an important part of their public story.
Layla also used the post to celebrate their daughter Kylah, who was completing her dance season while the family dealt with Cheslin’s hospitalisation.
“And in the middle of it all, I couldn’t be prouder of Kylah and her girls for pushing through such a long day and claiming the win to end off her dance season for the year,” she said.
She ended the message by praising the Springboks for their performance against New Zealand.
“And to the Bokke – they always seem to fight even harder when they’re thrown into the deep end. What a team. What a fight,” Layla wrote.
Another setback for the Springbok star
The latest injury comes at a significant point in Kolbe’s career.
The 32-year-old has established himself as one of South Africa’s most recognisable rugby stars and has played a key role in the Springboks’ success over the years.
Kolbe has won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa and has also enjoyed a lengthy international career that has taken him from Western Province and the Stormers to Toulouse, Toulon and Tokyo Sungoliath.
He recently opened up about his decision to return to South Africa after years playing overseas, explaining that being away from his family had taken a toll.
Kolbe said his return was partly driven by his desire to be closer to his family after spending years abroad.
From Kraaifontein to two-time World Cup winner
Kolbe’s journey has been one of perseverance.
Born and raised in Kraaifontein in the Western Cape, he progressed through Western Province before making his mark with the Stormers and eventually moving overseas.
His international breakthrough with the Springboks turned him into one of the country’s most celebrated players.
His rise from a Cape Town township to becoming a two-time Rugby World Cup winner is also the subject of his upcoming memoir, Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds, which is scheduled for release in October.
The book explores his career, family, faith and the obstacles he overcame on his way to the highest level of world rugby.
Family remains at the centre
Beyond rugby, Cheslin and Layla have built a family life that has often featured alongside his sporting journey.
Kolbe has previously spoken openly about the challenges of playing overseas and the impact it had on his family.
Layla has also played an active role in the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation, which focuses on uplifting communities through sport, education and social development.
One of its initiatives has centred on providing shoes to children, inspired by Kolbe’s own experiences growing up and seeing children in his community without proper footwear.
For now, however, the focus is firmly on Cheslin’s recovery.
As South Africa celebrates another hard-fought victory over New Zealand, the Kolbe family is facing a quieter battle away from the rugby field – one that Layla says they will approach with faith rather than fear.
