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Sharks confirm Siya Kolisi return after Racing 92 exit
By Josh Raisey
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has signed for the Sharks, marking his return to the club after spending last season with Racing 92 in France.
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The United Rugby Championship outfit confirmed the 33-year-old’s homecoming on Monday after weeks of speculation, having originally been reported by RugbyPass.
Kolisi spent two years with the Sharks before moving to the Top 14 after last year’s World Cup, but it was only a matter of time before his return was announced after Racing confirmed that they had terminated his three-year contract on Sunday.
The 88-cap Springbok will reunite with the Sharks after this year’s Rugby Championship, where his side have two more fixtures against Argentina.
“My family and I have enjoyed a wonderful year abroad that has given us cherished memories,” Kolisi said.
“We have missed South Africa though and it is time to come home. I would like to thank Racing 92 for accommodating my request to return home and for the exciting opportunity they gave me to play abroad. It is a great club steeped in tradition with an impressive group of players, who I can now call brothers for life.
“I am excited to be returning to Durban to re-join the Hollywoodbets Sharks. My family and I love Durban and its people, and I cannot wait to run out onto the park at Hollywoodbets Kings Park during the 2024/2025 rugby season.”
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Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell added: “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 once again.
“The positive influence he has on young players and the high standards that he sets for himself and those around him, is beneficial to any team he is part of. Off the field, the immense contribution that he makes can never be underestimated.
“Siya is a much-loved sports personality who has the respect and love of all South Africans, and I am sure that everyone will join us in welcoming our national hero back home.”
Who cares if he played well or not for R92. All that matters from my perspective is that he performs for the Boks and SA win. I was there in Paris to see him lift the WC. That is what counts. This isn't football where the clubs are the be all and end all.
I don't care either if he performs for the Sharks, all that counts is international rugby in my view. He is performing for the Boks right now, that is for sure
No idea why the article implies this is a good thing. Kolisi doesn't rate in the top 75 loose forwards playing test rugby.
No shame in not being able to handle the higher level of play in the NH comps.
But at he head back to SA where he can coast. At least he isn't taking the Japan route like most of his teammates.
He's not the first SH player to fail, won't be the last (see Eben, Faf, Willie Le Roux, etc. All current Bok teammates)
Hey naaigie, about this sentence: "But at he head back to SA where he can coast." The words are definitely English, but it is even more devoid of meaning than your usual drivel. Were you typing while being nailed on the backseat?
You mean double world cup winners Eben, Faf and Le Roux? Yeah they really can't hack it at the top. 🤣
Also, Kolisi's not leaving NH comps. He plays for the Sharks that competes in the URC and Champions Cup, which are (and try and keep up here) NH Comps.
The Tshituka brothers might be a bit aggrieved. And Mavesere (although he's normally on the blind?) And Labuschagne. And Richardson. That said, there's a bit of rugby going around and Siya has a lot to teach.
He will not play much. He will be resting and play on the retirement schedule like his bff Eben and only make an appearance for the big matches.