‘I want to continue with the Springboks’ – Siya Kolisi agrees mutual termination with Racing 92 as move back to South Africa looms
Racing 92 star Siya Kolisi looks on.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has mutually agreed to terminate his three-year Racing 92 contract after just one season.
Kolisi joined the Paris-based club immediately after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and had a mixed bag of a season with injuries and international duties hampering his progress at the club.
The situation between Kolisi and the club grew tense when Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti described the South African as having “gained weight, lost shape and was transparent” towards the latter stages of the season.
Soon after links were made for Kolisi to move back to the Durban-based Sharks which appears to be the case although there is yet to be official confirmation from the United Rugby Championship team.
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Springboks commitments
Speaking to L’Equipe on Sunday, Kolisi revealed the news and explained how his desire to play for South Africa makes the situation complicated.
“We reached an agreement with the club. I am grateful for the way they handled the situation,” he told L’Equipe.
“When I arrived in Paris, I didn’t know what the future of my international career was but when I started playing for the national team again (in June), I realised that my body has no rest.
“And above all, if I play for South Africa, I miss three months of the Top 14 season. I am very well paid and it makes me feel like I am stealing from Racing.
“So, for me, my physical health and the club, I want to do what is right, I don’t want to only invest half of myself.
Not a “full-time Siya Kolisi”
“When they recruited me, they thought they had a full-time Siya Kolisi. But I love playing for South Africa so much, I want to continue with the Springboks.”
Kolisi’s Springboks have just come off their fourth win in a row against New Zealand with an 18-12 triumph. The result means the South Africans are well-placed to go on and claim the Rugby Championship title.
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