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Siya Kolisi reveals former All Black legend convinced him of France move
By Ben Smith
Double-World Cup winner Siya Kolisi has revealed how former All Black legend Dan Carter played a part in influencing his decision to leave South Africa and join Racing 92 in France.
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After captaining the Springboks to a second straight Rugby World Cup title, the loose forward joined his new club last week and was seen in attendance at his side’s clash with Stade Francais.
Kolisi explained that his move to France was “the missing piece” in his career after playing the entirety of his rugby in South Africa, firstly with the Stormers and then with the Durban-based Sharks.
He held talks with former Racing players Yannick Nyanga, who finished his career there with four seasons, and ex-All Black legend Dan Carter who helped the club to a Top 14 title in 2016.
The Top 14’s reputation as one of the most competitive rugby tournaments was also a major draw for the 32-year-old.
“I can’t wait to play. The Top 14 is the missing piece for me. I came for the reputation, it is one of the most difficult championships in the world. I have to prove myself on the pitch,” he told RugbyRama.
“I spoke to Cameron [Woki] and Yannick [Nyanga] before signing. Dan Carter also had an influence on my coming.”
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Racing 92’s majority owner and club chairmen Jacky Lorenzetti also played a part in recruiting Kolisi the player, not the brand, as the club looks to capture more success.
The Springbok captain said the club is looking to emulate the likes of Toulon and Toulouse who have won league titles and European titles.
“Jacky Lorenzetti told me he wanted to recruit the rugby player, not the superstar. I really appreciated this,” he said.
“Racing 92 is a club that has not achieved as much as Toulon or Toulouse so we have something to build and I want to be part of this history.
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“I’ve played in South Africa all my life and to move to a new club, so different, it’s special. But my teammates and Jacky [Lorenzetti], made things easier for me.
“My family moved before me so everything is going very well.”
Go Siya, set the world alight.
It sucked when you moved to the Sharks, but we can thank Zero Marais for that. I’m sure we’ll see you back in CT within three or four years.
Kolesi should go well in the Top 14. And clearly Racing have ambition, and are assembling a formidable squad. Got a good new coach in Stuart Lancaster.