No DNA, just RSA – Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has officially cut his French career short to play the rest of his rugby in South Africa.
This comes after the Springbok captain had a disappointing first season at the French club Racing 92. Siya joined the team shortly after winning his second consecutive Rugby World Cup in 2019.
While there were lots of expectations surrounding the impact he would bring as an experienced international player, the club’s president, Jackie Lorenzetti later criticised the Springbok flank for not living up to the expectation.
In a comment made towards the end of the season after their loss to Bordeaux, Jackie took to social media to state that while Siya has been a unifier off the field there is still much to see when it comes to his performance on the pitch.
“He gained weight, lost shape and yesterday, he was transparent.”
Jackie further stated that Siya made it difficult for the club to forget one of its previous players who they saw as a real warrior.
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Following a successful Rugby Championship run in which they reign undefeated after beating both Australia and New Zealand twice, Siya will be returning to SA.
He will now return to his former club, the Sharks which is home to multiple Springbok teammates such as Eben Etzebeth, Trevor Nyankane, Bongi Mbonambi, Grant Williams, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapampi and Ox Nche.
In a statement obtained by SA Rugby Mag, Siya wrote:
“I am excited to be returning to Durban to rejoin the Sharks. My family and I love Durban and its people, and I cannot wait to run out onto the park at Kings Park during the 2024-2025 rugby season.”
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Equally expressing his excitement Neil Powell, director of rugby at the Sharks said, “Siya is an influential player, whose leadership and passion is known and celebrated across the globe. We are glad that he has chosen to return to Durban and don the black and white jersey again.”
Also see: Siya Kolisi’s documentary ‘Rise’ gets the thumbs up for a SAFTA nomination
