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WATCH: Siya Kolisi begins new rugby chapter in France
The Bok skipper will get his first taste of the French Top 14 action at the end of the month against La Rochelle.
Racing 92’s newly recruited player, Siya Kolisi, poses with his jersey. Picture: Thomas Samson / AFP
The Springboks‘ two-time World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has joined his new French team, Racing 92 in Paris.
This after Kolisi led his side to the World Cup title in France two weeks ago. The Boks beat the All Blacks in the final 12-11, but edged France in the quarter-finals and England in the semi-finals, also both matches by a single point.
Kolisi previously played for the Sharks and the Stormers.
‘It’s exciting’
On Thursday several media outlets released videos and images of Kolisi meeting his new team-mates for the first time.
“I’m excited,” he told reporters about playing for his new team.
He will run out for the first time for Racing on November 26 against La Rochelle in Paris. Kolisi’s Bok team-mate Trevor Nyakane also plays for Racing.
“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 Bok skipper, as well as all the other World Cup winning Boks, have had to stand down from all rugby for three weeks. The South African team though did partake in a trophy tour in several cities in the country to celebrate their win in France with their fans.
“It was amazing, way bigger than 2019. We won this for the people at home,” said Kolisi.
‘World class player’
Racing coach Stuart Lancaster said the team were not only getting Kolisi as a player, but also “the person and his experience.”
“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.
“And his experience will be a huge asset to Racing as we can learn from his time in South Africa and on his journey as a rugby player.
“One of the strengths of the club is the diversity within the team with players from different parts of France but also from different countries. The arrival of Siya only adds to that.”
With AFP
