Pan Macmillan South Africa is proud to announce the upcoming publication of Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds, the highly anticipated memoir by Springbok rugby icon Cheslin Kolbe. Written in collaboration with award-winning writer and broadcaster David O’Sullivan, the book is scheduled for global release in October 2026.
The size of courage
Cheslin Kolbe was never supposed to be a professional rugby player. As a young boy growing up in Kraaifontein, he was consistently the smallest child on the rugby field. Time and again, coaches doubted his capability and selectors overlooked him, dismissing him as too light and too fragile to withstand the collisions of top-tier rugby. Where others saw his physical size as a permanent limitation, Kolbe saw a defining challenge. Refusing to let other people’s measurements define his worth, he actively sought out opponents who were bigger and stronger. While being knocked down taught him the force of the game, getting back up showed him that true courage could outsize any opponent. He learned to move quicker and to read the game faster, proving that rugby demands far more than size – it is driven by heart, focus and belief.
From Kraaifontein to global stardom
Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds charts an extraordinary trajectory from the streets and school fields of Kraaifontein to the grandest stages in world rugby. The memoir follows his inspiring journey through Western Province, the Stormers, Toulouse, Toulon, Japan, and ultimately to the pinnacle of international rugby with the Springboks. At 32 years old, Kolbe stands as a double World Cup winner, a European champion, a double French champion, and was honoured as the 2024 SA Men's Rugby Player of the Year.
Yet, this book is more than a record of sporting triumphs. It is an intimate look at the profound impact of family, community and deep faith that shaped one of the most admired and inspirational players of his generation.
Reflecting on his journey, Cheslin Kolbe shares:
‘I grew up in a world of crime, drugs and violence, and was told I was too small to play rugby. I refused to let these challenges defeat me. I want this book to inspire young people, and anyone who has ever been told they are not enough, to defy the odds, believe in themselves and remember that their circumstances do not define their future.’
A winning collaboration
To bring his life story to the page, Kolbe has partnered with well-known South African journalist David O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan is a writer and award-winning broadcaster whose seasoned career includes covering news and sport across major platforms including SABC TV, Capital Radio, 702, Hot919, PowerFM, and KayaFM.
O’Sullivan is also the co-author with Rassie Erasmus of Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby, the bestselling memoir of the Springbok coach.
David O’Sullivan comments on the process:
‘It has been eye-opening and inspiring to work with Cheslin. This book shares his story of perseverance and courage – from growing up in Kraaifontein to reaching the greatest heights in world rugby as a double World Cup winner, and one of the most admired players of his generation.’
Highlighting the broader impact of Kolbe’s story, Pan Macmillan Publisher Andrea Nattrass says:
‘Cheslin Kolbe's approach to life and rugby is characterised by that 2023 World Cup charge-down moment. He brings courage, energy, focused determination and an inspired unpredictability to every situation he faces. Pan Macmillan is privileged to be working with him to publish his story for readers.’
Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds will hit bookstores nationwide in October 2026.