Toulon insist they have no plans to sell Bok star Kolbe

Lemaitre was commenting after reports surfaced claiming several Japanese clubs are hunting the Springbok winger's signature.

Lemaitre maintains that Kolbe has expressed a desire to remain with Toulon, despite his injury-plagued stint at the club.

Kolbe joined Toulon from their rivals Toulouse in 2021 and has displayed outstanding performances when fit, but has been sidelined several times due to injuries.

In March of this year, the World Cup winner was carried off the pitch in tears during a Top 14 match, and it was later revealed that he had sustained a sprained ankle that would keep him out of action for a month.

Last November, French publication Midi Olympique reported that a few League One teams in Japan were keen on securing Kolbe's services.

Lemaitre has denied that Toulon are prepared to let go of Kolbe, despite the fact that his departure would free up a significant portion of the team's salary cap.

"We are in discussion with Cheslin Kolbe... His departure would free up the payroll yes," Lemaitre said according to RugbyRama.

"We will not sell off Cheslin Kolbe. His first desire is to stay with us, even if there are huge requests from Japan."

In response to reports about his potential departure from Toulon, Kolbe recently confirmed that he is committed to staying with the club.

"I assure you and the fans can believe me: I will be in Toulon next year," he said.

"The latest misinformation about me has been frustrating and it has caused a lot of distractions as well as pressure around me. It is just crazy. I'll be there and who knows, maybe I'll stay longer than people say."