Lancaster's Racing 92 'to wait' for Kolisi replacement decision

Racing 92 director of rugby Stuart Lancaster said on Tuesday the French club will be patient before signing a replacement for newly departed South African captain Siya Kolisi.

Flanker Kolisi has left the Parisian outfit for the Sharks in Durban after just the first year of his three-year contract with his family reportedly homesick in the French capital.

The 33-year-old two-time Rugby World Cup winner's decision leaves Lancaster with the likes of France internationals Cameron Woki and Jordan Joseph as well as Kolisi's newly arrived compatriot Hacjivah Dayimani as his back-row options.

"I think we'll wait because we've got some very good back-row players that I have confidence in," Lancaster told reporters.

"With the Top 14, we need to assess the injuries and then make a decision.

"We have space in the salary cap," the former England and Leinster head coach added.

Six-time French champions Racing, who have been bolstered by the signing of former England captain Owen Farrell, lost at Castres in their Top 14 season-opener last Saturday and host Clermont this weekend.