Siya Kolisi, the two-time World Cup-winning captain, has returned to the Sharks after spending just one season with Racing 92 in France’s Top 14. The Sharks confirmed Kolisi’s return on Monday morning following a statement from Racing 92 released the previous day.
The move, although not entirely surprising given reports of Kolisi’s family struggling with homesickness in Paris, comes just 24 hours after Kolisi led the Springboks to an 18-12 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town. Despite playing with a broken nose, Kolisi scored a crucial try early in the second half, helping South Africa overcome a 9-3 halftime deficit in what he described as the team’s most important match since their World Cup triumph against the same opponents last year in Paris.
With two matches remaining in the Rugby Championship, where the Springboks currently lead, Kolisi’s departure from Racing 92 coincides with the Top 14’s fourth round, which ends on September 28.
In a recent interview with French sports daily L'Equipe, Kolisi expressed that international duties conflicted with his commitment to Racing 92. “If I play for South Africa, I'll miss three months of the Top 14. I'm very well paid and it makes me feel like I'm stealing from Racing 92,” Kolisi said. He cited the physical demands of balancing international and club rugby as a major factor in his decision to return home.
While Kolisi was making headlines in the Rugby Championship, Racing 92 began their Top 14 season with a defeat to Castres. Racing 92 acknowledged Kolisi’s contribution in their statement, expressing mutual gratitude for the time spent together and wishing him well for the future.
Kolisi, who joined Racing 92 last year to considerable fanfare following his second World Cup victory, played only 18 matches for the club last season, scoring just one try. Despite facing criticism over his performance and physical condition, Racing 92 coach Stuart Lancaster affirmed that Kolisi retains the club’s respect and affection. “He still has our respect and affection as a person and as a man. He has achieved incredible things,” Lancaster said. “Our relationship and the affection we have for him at Racing 92 remain unchanged.”