Kolisi excited by return to Durban after leaving Racing 92

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has expressed his excitement about making a return to the Durban to put on the Black and White of the Hollywoodbets Sharks, after parting ways with French giants Racing 92. The double World Cup winning Springbok captain, who previously played for the Stormers and the Sharks, mutually agreed to part ways with the French club after spending just one season in Paris. After a good start to life in Paris, Kolisi’s relationship with the club was strained after Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti made remarks about how the Bok captain has “gained weight” and looks “out of shape” towards the end of the season. 

On Sunday the club confirmed that it mutually parted ways with Kolisi with two years left in his deal. The Sharks wasted no time in confirming his return to Durban on Monday morning, as he will join John Plumtrees’ side as one of five newly signed Springboks for the 2024/25 Vodacom United Rugby Championship season. Speaking to the Sharks media team, Kolisi thanked Racing 92 for respecting his wish to return to South Africa, and expressed his excitement about returning home. 

“My family and I have enjoyed a wonderful year abroad that has given us cherished memories. 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,” said Kolisi

“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,” Kolisi concluded. 

Gallo Images.