World Cup winner Siya Kolisi ‘excited’ at new chapter at French club Racing 92
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Siya Kolisi has joined the Top 14 French club from South African franchise Sharks on a three-year deal.
PHOTO: AFP
PARIS – South Africa’s two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi made his first public appearance as a Racing 92 player on Thursday and admitted that it felt like “the first day back at school”.
Kolisi, who led the Springboks to the 2019 and 2023 World Cups,
“I’m excited,” he said, adding that he will make his debut for the club against La Rochelle in Paris on Nov 26.
“I started training on Tuesday and it’s exciting. It felt like the first day back at school.
“I’ve got a reputation, but it’s not my reputation that’s going to count on the pitch. I need to prove myself, learn a new language and get to grips with a new culture.
“The day I leave the club, I want people to be able to say that I gave it my all.”
The 32-year-old lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time after a dramatic 12-11 win over New Zealand at the Stade de France in the final on Oct 28, after which the Springboks were given a massive reception at home.
Siya Kolisi with the Webb Ellis Cup during the Springboks Champions trophy tour in Cape Town on Nov 3.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“It was amazing, way bigger than 2019,” Kolisi added of the title.
“People expected us to win this time and were following us the whole time.
“We won this for the people at home. When we were there (in South Africa), we could see why we sacrificed 20 weeks together. It was great to see how the people appreciated it. It made it all worthwhile.”
Kolisi also said Racing coach Stuart Lancaster had wanted him to rest but he “really wanted to get to know my new teammates”.
“I feel like a child,” he said. “My achievements don’t mean anything. I still have a lot to learn. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch.”
Kolisi admitted he was due to sign for a club in Japan when former All Black Dan Carter, who had played for Racing, advised him to head to Paris instead.
“He thought it would be great, told me how great the club were,” he said.
“Being here and seeing all the players, I think the coaching staff have been amazing. When they talk about ‘family’ you really feel that.
“The French Top 14 is most famous for being the hardest competition in the world. It’s very physical. Almost every nation is a part of it. That’s what I am looking forward to.”
Lancaster, who took over as coach only at the start of this season, welcomed Kolisi’s arrival not just for his talent on the field but also his presence off it.
“What we get with Siya is the player, the person and his experience, that’s what I am most excited about,” said the former England boss. “He is obviously a world-class player. I want to add value to his game, as a coach I want to improve him.
“As a person I think he has the highest levels of integrity. The way he conducts himself is amazing, he’s a great role model.” AFP
