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Sharks confirm Siya Kolisi return after Racing 92 exit

Siya Kolisi of the Springboks acknowledges fans as he leaves the field during The Rugby Championship match between Australia Wallabies and South Africa Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has signed for the Sharks, marking his return to the club after spending last season with Racing 92 in France.

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The United Rugby Championship outfit confirmed the 33-year-old’s homecoming on Monday after weeks of speculation, having originally been reported by RugbyPass. 

Kolisi spent two years with the Sharks before moving to the Top 14 after last year’s World Cup, but it was only a matter of time before his return was announced after Racing confirmed that they had terminated his three-year contract on Sunday.

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Siya Kolisi happy after Freedom Cup win

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Siya Kolisi happy after Freedom Cup win

The 88-cap Springbok will reunite with the Sharks after this year’s Rugby Championship, where his side have two more fixtures against Argentina.

“My family and I have enjoyed a wonderful year abroad that has given us cherished memories,” Kolisi said.

Fixture
Rugby Championship
Argentina
29 - 28
Full-time
South Africa
All Stats and Data

“We have missed South Africa though and it is time to come home. 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.

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

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Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell added: “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.

“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.”

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SK 40 minutes ago
How Ireland can upset the odds in Paris: Big match preview part two

Ireland need to keep the ball for long periods even if it goes against their current Leinster identity. This is their bread and butter against France. If they can stress test the French defence for long periods of time they will tire out. Ireland cannot afford to just build 90 rucks in a game. They need to build well in excess of 100 and they need to get 55-60% lightning quick ball at least. They need to force France to make at least 150-200 tackles and force them to defend multiple phases of attack. They need to play quickly at lineout, get the ball away from the base at scrum time and keep the French forwards under the pump. They cant play from everywhere but once it gets to their own 10 metre line they need to keep the ball and avoid the kick unless its to expose space with a kick chase or a 50-22. I dont rate the French bench, hell the Ireland bench doesnt look so great itself but if they can survive the first 60, deny France set piece and aerial dominance and move their forwards around they can win this. For France they need to establish dominance at set piece, make a mess of the Irish lineout, dominate the air waves and score off turnover ball using fast breaking backs like LBB and Ramos. They need to put Prendergast under pressure and smash the Irish front row. If they can make a mess of the Irish ruck speed they will also win but what we cant have is both teams pussyfooting around in a cagey affair putting the ball up constantly in a snooze fest with Ireland playing some Leinster garbage and France doing what they are comfortable doing. That only ends one way, a France win and Thursday night wasted for a rugby hungry audience. If we want a game on Ice we will watch the Winter Olympics thank you very much.

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