Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reveals Racing 92 debut

By Doug Mattushek
9th November 2023

Celebrated Bok leader Siya Kolisi revealed he is set to start his French Affair with Racing 92 on 26 November in Paris.

The double World Cup winner has just completed a whirlwind Trophy Tour around South Africa with his all-conquering Springbok team. But Kolisi has barely had time to put his feet up, as he arrived in France on Monday to begin his season with Racing 92.

Kolisi was released from his Sharks contract early in order to sign for the French giants.

In a video posted to their X account on Thursday, Kolisi met with former French player and club President Laurent Travers and said a few words for the fans.

"Thank you, it's been an honour for me to be here," said the smiling 32-year-old.

"I've really enjoyed the first couple of days. The boys have been very welcoming and all the staff around here have been really good."

Kolisi went on to flex his limited French, saying "See you on November 26 in Paris at La DÃ©fense Arena", much to Travers' enjoyment. Racing 92 are set to host Champions Cup and Top 14 reigning champions La Rochelle in Paris on that Saturday.

In a recent interview with French media outlet Midi Olympique, club chairperson Jacky Lorenzetti had high praise for the universally loved Kolisi.

"Siya, he radiates... he's someone quite extraordinary," exclaimed Lorenzetti.

"He gives me the impression of being a tractor that will pull the whole team behind him.

"Kolisi reminds me of Dan Carter but in a different style, certainly with a little more flesh, a little more human¦ They say he has political ambitions after rugby and that doesn't surprise me from what I know about the guy.

"He is more unifying than anyone and even created an association a few years ago to help children in the townships in South Africa.

"In my youth, I did a bit of motorsport and I loved a driver named Ayrton Senna; he was a driving genius but he also had a mystical dimension that I found in Siya Kolisi."

Fellow Springbok teammate Trevor Nyakane will also be joining him at the Parisian club. Racing 92 are currently third on the Top 14 table, with four wins from their opening five games.