Mike Greenaway
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is set to play out his provincial career at the Sharks after French club Racing 92 reportedly agreed to release the 33-year-old.
Kolisi last year left the Sharks to pursue a new life for his family in Paris but life in France did not work out and the Bok skipper asked for a release from his contract.
Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti in June publicly decried Kolisi’s performances for the Parisian club and was content to release the Springbok captain provided he was paid back a considerable transfer fee. This amount is believed to have been paid by an anonymous South African businessman close to Kolisi.
The Sharks will be thrilled to welcome back the Springbok captain for the incoming United Rugby Championship season.
New Zealander coach John Plumtree has recruited shrewdly since his reappointment a year ago and the return of Kolisi augments the rich Springbok ranks that already include Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Makazole Mapimpi.
Kolisi is a national hero and his return to the Sharks is a massive boost to their United Rugby Championship ambitions. The Sharks had a poor URC campaign last season before rallying to win the second-tier Challenge Cup.
Kolisi’s reunification in Durban with the likes of World Cup heroes Etzebeth, Mbonambi, Am, and Nche is a timely boost for the Durban team.