South African Siya Kolisi arrives at Racing 92

South African world champion captain Siya Kolisi has signed up with Racing 92 until 2026 but will only join his new club after the 2023 World Cup, the Parisian club announced on Tuesday. The 31-year-old third line, captain of the Springboks at the 2019 World Cup won by beating England 32-12 in the final in Japan, has been playing since 2021 within the South African Sharks franchise. “This signing is part of a broader long-term collaboration agreement between the Racing 92 and Sharks clubs where each party has made financial efforts,” said the Parisian club, without giving further details.

His life changes in 2018

One evening in June 2018, Siya Kolisi’s life changes. Coach Rassie Erasmus named him captain of the Springboks and it was the first time in 127 years of existence that a black man led the South African selection, until then the preserve of whites and emblem of apartheid.

This child from the townships of Port Elizabeth, raised by his grandmother, will succeed in his bet. A year later, he became world champion in Japan. The image of Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis trophy joins in the pantheon of South African sport that of Nelson Mandela and François Pienaar hand in hand, a symbol of reconciliation. A scene immortalized by Hollywood with the film Invictus.

One of the best players in the world

The current 4th in the Top 14 thus offers one of the best players in the world to his position. It is also a symbol since Kolisi, very committed to education and social cohesion, was the first black captain of South Africa. “I am very enthusiastic about the idea of ​​joining Racing 92 after the World Cup, a visionary club that I have always admired (…). Racing 92 has great ambitions on the ground but also societal projects very encouraging, which is in line with my mission and personal values,” Kolisi said, as quoted in the statement.

“The signing of Siya Kolisi reinforces the ambitions of Racing 92 and will offer our supporters a high-level spectacle at Paris La Défense Arena. His deep culture of victory and his natural leadership make him a very great player who doubles as a “a deeply humanist man,” said Jacky Lorenzetti, chairman of the Racing 92 supervisory board.

This season, Kolisi, also passed through the Cape Stormers franchise (2012-2020), played five games with the Sharks, including four as a starter. He also played four matches with the Springboks in November, including the defeat against the Blues (30-26). The tenth edition of the World Cup will take place in France from September 8 to October 28.