The Hollywoodbets Sharks have confirmed the homecoming of inspirational Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
The double World Cup-winning leader, who spent most of his provincial/franchise career at DHL Western Province before heading to Durban in 2021, left for France a year ago but has elected to return home after just one season in Paris playing for Racing 92 and will be playing for the Sharks in the forthcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship season.
The way for Kolisi’s return to South Africa was paved when the relationship between Kolisi and the club became frayed when Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti described the flank as having “gained weight, lost shape and was transparent” towards the latter stages of the French season.
BACK IN BLACK 🦈 pic.twitter.com/SQnyJnUXSb
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) September 9, 2024
There was initially a massive transfer fee demanded by Racing but it was confirmed over the weekend by the French club that the two parties had mutually decided to part ways. The Sharks didn’t waste time in putting out their own confirmation that Kolisi will be returning to play for them at the end of the current international season, with the press release confirming his return being put out first thing on Monday morning.
“Siya is an influential player, whose leadership and passion is known and celebrated across the globe,” said Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell.
“We are glad that he has chosen to return to Durban and don the black and white jersey once again. The positive influence he has on young players and the high standards that he sets for himself and those around him, is beneficial to any team he is part of. Off the field, the immense contribution that he makes can never be underestimated.”
Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets, who are The Sharks title sponsor commented: “We are thrilled to welcome our two-time World Cup-winning captain back to the Hollywoodbets Sharks! Building on our recent triumph in the EPCR Challenge Cup, John Plumtree's coaching team is maximizing the winning culture within the squad. The addition of Siya to our line-up is incredibly exciting, and we are confident that our fans are eager to see him back in action at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.”
'TIME TO COME HOME'
Kolisi thanked the Sharks and Racing 92 for making this move possible.
“My family and I have enjoyed a wonderful year abroad that has given us cherished memories. We have missed South Africa though and it is time to come home,” he said.
“I would like to thank Racing 92 for accommodating my request to return home and for the exciting opportunity they gave me to play abroad. It is a great club steeped in tradition with an impressive group of players, who I can now call brothers for life.”
Kolisi’s signing continues the good off-season business done by the Sharks. Apart from coach John Plumtree offloading several players who had been contracted prior to his arrival he considered dead wood, he has made some shrewd signings since his return to Durban. Apart from Springboks such as Kolisi, Andre Esterhuizen and Trevor Nyakane, plus Jason Jenkins, the contributions that could be made by two players contracted from the Emirates Lions, the once Bok-capped Jordan Hendrikse and Emmanuel Tshituka, have already been showcased in the Carling Currie Cup.