Siya Kolisi’s South Africa return ‘on the brink of collapse’ after Racing 92 owner’s demands – report
Springboks flanker Siya Kolisi in action during 2024 mid-year series.
Siya Kolisi may not be moving back to South Africa after all due to the proposed move hitting a snag during negotiations between the Sharks and Racing 92.
The flanker has reportedly expressed a desire to depart the French club, with his family not settling in Paris since moving there following the Rugby World Cup.
Kolisi signed a three-year deal with the Top 14 outfit and joined the team after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time.
His time at Racing has been hampered by injuries and a lack of form, though, as the Springboks captain was unable to inspire them to silverware in 2023/24.
Owner’s role in Siya Kolisi saga
The Boks skipper’s performances were heavily criticised by owner Jacky Lorenzetti who, according to RugbyPass, is now playing a crucial role in preventing the deal from being done.
In order to sign Kolisi in 2023 the Parisians had to stump up a significant transfer fee, and in return the Sharks must also provide a contribution if the 33-year-old is to head back to Durban.
That is thought to be R17 million (around £726,000), a hefty sum which the South African franchise do not wish to pay up front.
They have offered it in instalments, spreading it over the next two or three seasons, but Lorenzetti has turned down that proposal.
The Racing owner is reportedly demanding it all upfront, leaving the deal “on the brink of collapse.”
Lorenzetti may well have kick-started all of this when he slammed Kolisi following the club’s defeat to Bordeaux-Begles in June.
“Kolisi had a remarkable start to the season, where he was a unifier off the field,” Lorenzetti told Midi Olympique two months ago.
“The injury lay-off was harmful to him. He gained weight, lost shape and yesterday [against Bordeaux] he was transparent. In the back-row, we used to have an ultra-present warrior, a warrior called Wenceslas Lauret. For the moment, Siya isn’t making us forget Wenceslas. But we think that next year, that will change.”
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SA Rugby’s clarification
It was initially reported that SA Rugby were involved in the transfer, with suggestions that they would be contributing towards the fee, but the governing body immediately moved to clarify matters.
“Media are advised that speculation that SA Rugby is involved in the ‘buy-out’ of the club contract of Siya Kolisi is without any basis in fact,” the governing body said in a statement.
“SA Rugby also wishes to make clear that it is not in any way involved in any conversations relating to such an outcome should they, in fact, be taking place.
“For clarity, when national players return to play in South Africa, they may be added to the category of players of national interest at the discretion of SA Rugby. At such point their union remuneration is supplemented by SA Rugby.”
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