Layla Kolbe reflects on emotional Japan goodbye ahead of family’s next chapter

The family of Cheslin Kolbe is preparing for a major transition after his wife, Layla Kolbe, shared an emotional message reflecting on their time in Japan.

Her Instagram post opened a very personal window into life abroad while Cheslin played for Tokyo Sungoliath, capturing both the joy of the experience and the weight of saying goodbye.

“Some goodbyes never get easier,” she wrote, recalling the moment their children had to say goodbye to their father at Tokyo airport.

And just like that, the picture-perfect chapter in Japan turned real. The memories, the routines, the life they built there all suddenly packed into suitcases and emotion.

Layla described Japan as a place that gave the family some of their most treasured memories, especially the sense of freedom and calm they experienced during their stay.

“Japan gave our family some of the happiest, most beautiful memories we could have asked for,” she wrote, adding that she had “never felt so free anywhere in the world” before.

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A post shared by Layla (@layla_kolbe)

But underneath the gratitude was something many parents will understand immediately — time moves differently when children are growing up. And you don’t get those moments back.

She highlighted the everyday things that often get overlooked in the bigger story of professional sport – school runs, birthdays, bedtime routines – the small pieces that actually build a childhood.

“These are the years you never get back,” she said, explaining that the decision to leave was guided by faith and a desire to prioritise being together during their children’s formative years.

Layla also made a point of thanking Japan and the Japanese community for how warmly they embraced the family, describing their time there as deeply meaningful and something they will always carry with them.

The emotional farewell comes as reports continue to link Kolbe with a return to South African rugby, with multiple outlets suggesting a move back to Cape Town rugby with the Stormers set-up following his stint abroad.

Born in Kraaifontein, Kolbe remains one of South Africa’s most celebrated rugby names, known for his explosive pace, sharp footwork and two Rugby World Cup titles with the Springboks.