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Electrifying Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe, who jetted into Australia for The Rugby Championship on Friday, has become the world’s most expensive signing.
Kolbe has moved to Toulon from Toulouse for €1.8 million ($A2.8m), a world record transfer fee.
The World Cup winner will face the Wallabies in two matches next month in Queensland.
According to Midi Olympique in France, an disagreement over Kolbe’s $A1.4 million salary at Toulouse saw him leave after four years.
Kolbe’s new salary with Toulon is reported to be $A1.6m per year – still some way below Dan Carter’s $2.5 salary during his time at Racing.
Kolbe was under contract with Toulouse until the end of the 2022-23 season and the transfer fee represents his wages for those seasons.
The UK Telegraph said the figure is the highest for a rugby transfer with contract buyouts “still anomalies rather than a sign of a growing trend in rugby’s transfer market, though the act of prising players out of their contracts is becoming a more regular occurrence in European rugby.”
“This is a new chapter in my career that I am approaching with great passion and commitment,” Kolbe said in a club statement.
“I look forward to contributing to helping my new team mates win trophies, building on the incredible history and tradition of this iconic club.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.