Two-time World Cup-winning rugby star Siya Kolisi said he fully expects to relinquish his Springbok captain title since he has relocated to France, SA Rugby Mag reported.
EISH! SIYA KOLISI ON ‘LOSING’ SPRINGBOK CAPTAINCY
Siya Kolisi’s talent in the rugby field hasn’t gone unnoticed over the years. In 2017, he was chosen as the new captain of the Stormers and vice-captain of the Springboks. The following year, he made history and became the first black captain of the Springboks. The new title marked as the team’s first black captain in 126 years.
However, after recently joining his new team, Racing 92, in Paris, France, Kolisi’s captaincy could be at stake. The 32-year-old beloved rugby player has opened up about the matter.
He said: “That’s normal. I knew that before making the decision to come here… It is what it is, [and] there’s nothing I can do about that.”
The experienced rugby star joined Racing 92 after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup last year. The Springboks also made history at the tournament and took home the cup for the fourth time. This comes after beating the New Zealand’s All Black’s team by just one point at the final.
Siya Kolisi was warmly welcomed at Racing 92. Image via Instagram @racing92
COACH RASSIE ERASMUS ON SIYA KOLISI’S CAPTAINCY
Last month, the Springboks’ head coach Rassie Erasmus said he preferred the team’s captain to be based in the country, IOL reported. However, Siya Kolisi’s contract with Racing 92 is said to only expire in 2026.
“Siya is playing some of his best rugby, but I prefer to have my captain locally based as that allows for more interaction,” Planet Rugby quoted Erasmus as saying.
Earlier this year, it was reported that R17 million was allegedly paid by Racing 92 to release Kolisi to join the French Top 14 club.
WHY THE RUGBY PLAYER DECIDED TO MOVE TO FRANCE
In a statement released on social media last year, Siya Kolisi revealed the driving force behind why he decided to relocate to France to join Racing 92.
“The move to Racing 92 will enable me to spend more time with my family, which is something that I have longed for, and this prospect certainly played a significant part in my decision making, Kolisi said in the statement.”
“Not many athletes get the chance to write the chapters of their respective story, and I view this new challenge in France as an opportunity to do this,” the statement read
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