Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti spoke at a press conference about the possible departure of Springbok star Siya Kolisi.
Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti said on Tuesday that “nothing has been decided yet” regarding the future of South African double world champion Siya Kolisi, who has expressed to his management his desire to leave after having honored only one of his three years of contract.
“Nothing has been done. Siya told us of his intentions (to return to South Africa, Editor’s note). We told him that he was a Racing player for another two years. We are talking and today nothing has been decided.”said Lorenzetti at a press conference, who had criticized the third row’s performance at the end of last season after the Ciel et Blanc were eliminated in the Top 14 play-offs.
At the beginning of August, the specialist site RugbyPass reported that Siya Kolisi had asked the Parisian club to release him from his contract to return to his former club, the Sharks, in Durban, as his family was homesick in France. While Racing 92 will start its season in Castres on Saturday, Kolisi is in South Africa, where he is playing in the Rugby Championship with his national team. The flanker also injured his face during the Springboks’ victory over New Zealand on Saturday (31-27) and is uncertain for the second match against the All Blacks at the end of the week.
“He still has our respect and affection”
This absence for the resumption of the Top 14 was not necessarily planned “at the start”deplored the president of Racing 92, Laurent Travers. “It’s one less player and fewer opportunities for Stuart (Lancaster) to make his team”he explained, adding that injured full-back Tristan Tedder and scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec would also miss the opening day. Arriving after a second world title in France, Siya Kolisi was one of Racing 92’s major signings last season. But his performances have not lived up to his reputation.
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However, he has not lost any esteem in the eyes of his trainer Stuart Lancaster: “He still has our respect and affection as a person, as a man. He has accomplished incredible things. Last year we could not criticize him on his commitment or his leadership. The situation is as it is, but nothing will affect our relationship and the affection we have for him at Racing 92.”
