Siya Kolisi reveals Jacky Lorenzetti ‘explanation’ as Springboks captain addresses relationship with Racing 92 owner
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and Racing 92 Jacky Lorenzetti.
Siya Kolisi insists that the criticism from Racing 92 Jacky Lorenzetti played no part in his decision to return to South Africa.
It was announced last Monday that the Springboks captain had re-signed with the Sharks after agreeing a mutual termination with the Parisians.
The confirmation of the transfer finally ended a long-drawn-out saga as the flanker finally got his wish and signed a deal to move back to Durban.
Kolisi’s international ambitions were the official reasons given for the move, but some wondered whether the comments made by Lorenzetti was the main factor in the decision.
Lorenzetti’s comments
The Racing boss claimed that the Springboks back-rower ‘gained weight, lost shape and was transparent’ in an interview after their defeat to Bordeaux-Begles in June.
However, the national skipper was adamant that there was no breakdown in their relationship.
“I’m a big player and he expected big things from me. I don’t care about criticism,” Kolisi told Rapport. “Jacky explained that he felt that way at that moment. We talked about it and moved on.”
Kolisi reiterated that there was no ill-will towards Racing, despite leaving just one season into his three-year deal with the Top 14 outfit.
“No bad feelings exist. Racing 92 understood that I would not be able to give my best for them if I also played for the Boks. They didn’t fight me. They wanted the best for me as a player,” he said.
“They also wanted the best for the club. The best thing for the club is that I’m there every day. As a leader, I have to add value on and off the field.
“I have nothing bad to say about the club. I would love to return one day and give it my all. The relationship between me and Racing 92’s players is good.
“After the Rugby Championship I want to go back to Racing 92 and say goodbye to them.”
International hopes
Kolisi said earlier this year that he wanted to play for another five years, which would take him beyond the next Rugby World Cup.
And the flanker, who has captained the 2019 and 2023 triumphs, hopes to be part of the squad when the Boks attempt a historic three-peat.
“It’s my goal to play in the next World Cup. We will have to see if my body holds up,” he said.
The early signs are good, even if Lorenzetti was not impressed by the Boks superstar. Kolisi has impressed in the Rugby Championship and has led them to the brink of the title.
Rassie Erasmus’ men secured successive victories over their arch-rivals the All Blacks to take them to within touching distance of lifting more silverware.
“We didn’t play at our best, but we find ways to win when it matters most,” he added.
“We are trying to make the team grow. There is no better way to do that than when the team wins. So many players now get a chance to play.”
