Cheslin Kolbe says his mother made the scrum cap non-negotiable
Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe says his mother would not let him play rugby without a scrum cap, and he has worn one ever since.
Cheslin Kolbe’s trademark scrum cap began with his mother, according to Briefly News. The Springboks winger says she would not allow him to play rugby unless he wore protective headgear.
Kolbe shared the story in an episode of For the Love of Rugby South Africa, where he sat down with former Springboks teammate Steven Kitshoff. The 32-year-old, who plays for Toulouse, said he has worn a scrum cap from under-six level all the way into professional rugby. He admitted he sometimes thought about leaving it off, but said he is glad he never did.
Scrum caps were first meant for forwards, to guard against injuries from scrummaging such as cuts, scrapes and cauliflower ear. On the wing, Kolbe’s has become part of how people recognise him, and he said it also helps his family spot him from the stands.
A look that others have adopted
Briefly News reported that the style has caught on among other South African outside backs. Thaakir Abrahams, Edwill van der Merwe and Kurt-Lee Arendse also wear one, and rugby podcasts have nicknamed the group the Lekka Backs and Power Rangers.
Gio Aplon, who played for both the Stormers and the Springboks, is credited with paving the way for slighter South African backs to wear the headgear.
Credit to his parents
Kolbe also spoke about his upbringing in Scottsville, Kraaifontein, in the Western Cape. He described the community as one marked by poverty and gangsterism. He said his parents made steady sacrifices despite having little, so that he could chase his sporting dreams.
One example he gave was an 18-hour trip his parents made to Welkom for Craven Week in 2010. He described it as a symbol of how much they gave up for him. He added that they often reshuffled their work commitments to be at his rugby matches, trials and athletics meetings, at times risking trouble at work to do so.
Kolbe has won 53 Test caps for South Africa. He said his parents’ determination to give him chances they never had remains a strong source of motivation, and he expects it to stay with him long after he stops playing.
This story is based on reporting by Briefly News.
