News24 | Sharks confirm Bok skipper Siya Kolisi’s move back home: ‘We have missed South Africa’

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is heading back to the Sharks. (Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

• Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s move back to the Sharks has been confirmed.
• Kolisi heads back to Durban after a stint at French Top 14 club Racing 92.
• Kolisi thanked Racing 92 and the Sharks for making his move back possible.
• For more rugby news, visit our dedicated section.

The Sharks on Monday morning confirmed that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will return home to continue his career in Durban.

This follows Sunday’s confirmation by French club Racing 92 that they had parted ways with Kolisi.

Kolisi had joined the French club from the Sharks in 2023. He first joined the Sharks from the Stormers in 2021.

The Sharks said in a statement that Kolisi will join them once his current national duties are completed.

“Siya is an influential player, whose leadership and passion is known and celebrated across the globe. We are glad that he has chosen to return to Durban and don the black and white jersey once again,”said Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell.

Powell added: “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.

“Siya is a much-loved sports personality who has the respect and love of all South Africans, and I am sure that everyone will join us in welcoming our national hero back home.”

The not altogether unexpected news – Kolisi’s family was reportedly homesick in the French capital – comes two days after Kolisi led the Springboks to an 18-12 win over New Zealand at Cape Town.

Playing with a broken nose, Kolisi scored a try early in the second half as South Africa overturned a 9-3 half-time deficit in what he said was South Africa’s most important game since they won the World Cup final against the same opponents in Paris last year.

Kolisi thanked Racing 92 and the Sharks for making his move back to Durban 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. I would like to thanks 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.

“I am excited to be returning to Durban to re-join the Sharks. My family and I love Durban and its people, and I cannot wait to run out onto the park at Kings Park during the 2024/2025 rugby season,” said Kolisi.