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Springboks: Siya Kolisi in ‘showdown talks’ over Racing 92 exit

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has reportedly opted to leave his big-money deal at Racing 92 early to return to his homeland.

The 33-year-old, who joined the Top 14 giants after leading South Africa to victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, played just one season in France.

However, it was not a successful campaign on the field for Kolisi and his friends. Rugby Pass He believes the Springboks legend is now planning to cut ties with the Parisians.

Sharks favourite to sign Kolisi

According to reports, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner is considering a return to South Africa, with his former team the Sharks the favourites to sign him.

Rugby Pass The winger, who signed a €1m contract for the season, was reportedly in “talks” with Racing 92 this week after “failing to reach an agreement” with the Top 14 side.

His performances on the pitch have not impressed Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti and he lashed out at the player in a recent interview.

Springboks: World Cup-winning duo make timely injury returns ahead of Rugby Championship

“Kolisi has had an outstanding start to the season, being a unifying element off the pitch,” Lorenzetti said. Mid Olympic before its tone changed in June of this year.

“The injury break has hurt him. He gained weight, lost his form and yesterday (against Bordeaux) he was transparent. In the back row we had a fighter called Wenceslas Lauret who was extremely present. For now, Siya is not forgetting Wenceslas. But we think that will change next year.”

Kolisi’s contract with Racing 92 runs until 2026 and therefore a payment would need to be made to the Top 14 team before the Springbok could leave the team.

The winger is currently in Australia with the Boks as they prepare for their opening match of the 2024 Rugby Championship against the Wallabies in Brisbane on August 10.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has often said he would prefer his team captain to be in South Africa to strengthen communication ties.

Therefore, if they can reach an agreement that would allow Kolisi to join one of South Africa’s leading clubs, it would be a significant positive development for the Boks.

Kolisi began his professional career with the Stormers and played Super Rugby for Cape Town between 2012 and 2020 before transferring to the Sharks in 2021.

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