The Sharks have confirmed two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will return home to join the Sharks. This was well-received by netizens who welcomed an ‘excited’ Kolisi back. | Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
Durban — Netizens have welcomed Siya Kolisi back to the Sharks after French club Racing 92 and Kolisi reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
The announcement came a day after Racing 92 said in a statement: “Siya Kolisi and Racing 92 announce that they have reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract that linked the South African third row to the sky and white club until 2026.
“Both parties thank each other for the sporting moments spent together under the sky and white jersey and wish each other much success in the rest of their sporting careers.
“Siya Kolisi and Racing 92 have announced that they have mutually agreed to terminate the contract binding the South African third row to the club until 2026.”
All the best Siya, thanks for the year with us pic.twitter.com/spopn2002g
— Racing 92 (@racing92) September 8, 2024
The worst-kept secret, as described by a netizen, was announced by the Sharks in social media posts and a statement titled “Siya Kolisi makes a welcome return home”.
Using words like ‘inspirational’, ‘home’ and ‘welcome’, the Sharks did not hold back when announcing that the two-time winning Rugby World Cup Springbok captain will join the Durban franchise after completing his current national duties.
Kolisi thanked the Sharks and Racing 92 for making the 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. 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 rejoin 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.
Commenting on Kolisi’s return, Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell said: “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.”
Also excited about Kolisi’s return was the Sharks’ title sponsor, Hollywoodbets.
The sports betting company’s brand and communications manager Devin Heffer said: “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.”
Netizens also reacted to Kolisi’s return.
Nepo Pholo said: “With his performances in the green and gold, this is exactly what we need at the Sharks ... Welcome back Skip.”
Ayanda Keith Webster said: “Now it's ON!! URC Champions this coming season.”
Michael Robert said: “Worst kept secret. Welcome back, Captain.”
Senzo Gwinyakahle Ngcobo said he was excited.
“Welcome back King Kolisi.”
Nadine Pretorius-Makan said nothing is better than home.
“Welcome back Captain of all Captains!!”
Kayla Mockridge said: “Now this is news that can brighten any Monday!! The best is back!!!”
Beverley Longbottom said: “Welcome back Captain Siya .... Soooo happy to have you home again in the Springbok & Shark jersey …”
Sifiso Qwabe said he is looking forward to Kolisi handing over the captain’s baton to the next person.
“There is a lot to learn from his style of leadership!”
Suzie Janse van Rensburg wished Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth would play this coming weekend in the semi-final of the Currie Cup.
Eliazo Mbewe said: “Welcome back to the land of the Sharks. This is the best news ever, we are proud of you.”
Jimmy Franklin said: “Good move, thank you for believing in this gentleman and trusting him to represent your team, he is a good rugby player.”
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