The emblematic captain of the Springboks, Siya Kolisi, continues to be talked about. Barely returned to South Africa, after leaving Racing 92 for family reasons, The Sharks third row is already in discussions for a return… to the Stormers, his favorite club. A rumor that has ignited the South African media since this weekend, relayed by Network24.
A suspicious absence
During the Sharks' narrow victory against the Bulls (20-17) in the United Rugby Championship (URC) last Saturday, Kolisi was absent. Sharks manager John Plumtree assured that his absence was purely due to a physical problem, but revelations surrounding a potential move to the Stormers cast serious doubt.
Tensions behind the scenes
This possible hasty departure from Kolisi is not trivial. The Springboks captain asked to be released of his contract with Racing 92 after a mixed season in France, where he did not shine.
Thanks to a significant investment from the Sharks (more than 900,000 euros to buy out his last year of contract), the player was able to return to South Africa. But today, less than four months after his arrival in Durban, he is already tempted to pack his bags.
The reason? Always family-related. Kolisi and his wife Rachel announced their divorce last October, with the latter reportedly choosing to live in Cape Town with their children. A move to the Stormers would therefore allow the player to get closer to them. However, such a transfer would require a financial effort on the part of Kolisi, who would have to accept a pay cut to return to the province that saw him debut among the pros in 2012.
The timing, a disturbing coincidence
Ironically, the Sharks face the Stormers this Saturday in Cape Town in a URC duel. Kolisi, present in training this week according to his social networks, could therefore be aligned against his possible future club. A tense match, where the Sharks, fourth in the standings, will try to continue their good series against the Stormers in difficulty (13th).
If the transfer were to be confirmed, it would mark the return of Siya Kolisi to a team where he had written the first pages of his legend. But for now, the mystery remains, and the soap opera has only just begun.
