Home Sport Shark Tank welcomes Kolisi back after French fling

Shark Tank welcomes Kolisi back after French fling

211

After spending a year playing his rugby in France, Siya Kolisi will return to Durban to play for the Sharks in the new club rugby season.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is officially a Sharks player again. Picture: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU, AFP

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will be available for the Sharks as soon as his national duties are done in the Rugby Championship with the world champions.

The Durban side announced the return of Kolisi on Monday after an agreement with the French club to release him after only one year of playing abroad in the Top 14 league.

Kolisi moved back home to stay available for the Springboks whenever they need him, whether it’s for alignment camps or out-of-date matches like the Wales clash earlier this year.

The camps will become increasingly important to head coach Rassie Erasmus as the world champions continue building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Due to his club commitments in France, Kolisi missed some in-person alignment camps earlier this year.

But the move back to the Sharks and playing his club rugby on the domestic scene will make things easier at a national level.

“We have missed South Africa and it is time to come home,” Kolisi said in a Sharks statement.

“My family and I have enjoyed a wonderful year abroad that has given us cherished memories. 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 return to Durban to rejoin the Sharks. My family and I love Durban and its people, and I cannot wait to run out onto Kings Park during the 2024/2025 rugby season.”

Neil Powell, Sharks director of rugby, said Kolisi is an influential player whose leadership and passion are known and celebrated globally.

“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 are beneficial to any team he is part of.

“Off the field, the immense contribution that he makes can never be underestimated.”

Previous articleEU gives SA $35 million in grants for green hydrogen plans
Next articleR2 billion drug lab bust: Two SA men denied bail, join three Mexican co-accused behind bars