Kolbe, Mostert and Wiese shine as South Africans dominate season stats in Japan

Kolbe finished top in three major statistical categories, underlining his impact for Tokyo Sungoliath in what will be his final season in Japan before returning to South Africa.

The double World Cup-winning winger led the league in points scored with 205 from 10 tries, 43 conversions and 23 penalties in 17 matches.

He also topped the charts for metres carried with 1,421 and clean breaks with 25.

Kolbe's attacking influence was further highlighted by his second-place finish in defenders beaten, where he recorded 105 tackle busts.

Fellow Springbok Jasper Wiese also featured prominently in the statistics after another powerful campaign for Urayasu D-Rocks. The hard-running No 8 finished among the top ball carriers in the competition with more than 200 carries during the regular season.

In defence, fellow Bok hardman Franco Mostert once again showed his work-rate for Mie Honda Heat, ending third overall for tackles completed with 239.

Former Sharks forward Tyler Paul led the competition outright in tackles completed after producing a massive defensive effort for Kubota Spears. The flanker made 284 tackles during the regular season, nearly 40 more than the next-best player.

While several South Africans starred, former All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick emerged as the surprise leading try-scorer of the competition with 17 tries for Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Kolbe was not far behind on the try-scoring charts, crossing 10 times during the season, while former All Black wing Mark Tele'a topped the defenders beaten category with 132.

Former Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi and ex-Reds playmaker Isaac Lucas also featured strongly across several attacking categories.