Cheslin Kolbe says talks are under way but that no decision has been made as yet to determine whether he will be released from club duty to be available for Blitzboks selection for the Olympics.

According to Rapport, Kolbe’s French club Toulouse had refused a request from the Blitzboks to release him for action during the upcoming World Sevens Series tournament in Los Angeles, which takes place from 29 February until 1 March.

If that were the case, it was widely believed that this would effectively end any chance of integrating Kolbe into the sevens system in the lead-up to this year’s Tokyo Olympic sevens competitions.

Speaking after Toulouse’s clash at Racing 92 in the French Top 14 on Sunday, though, he again highlighted that it was a subject they were still looking into.

‘I am in talks with them [SA Rugby] but there has to be decisions made whether I can go or if I have to stay. We still have to wait on that decision.

‘Playing in the Olympics, representing your country at one of the biggest stages of the world is a big opportunity. If I can go it will be a blessing. I also don’t want to get ahead of myself.’

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Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images