Siya Kolisi. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said he spoke to Dan Carter about his next move and admitted the All Blacks legend was “part of the reason” the Sharks joined French club Racing 92.
Kolisi confirmed this week that he would leave South Africa at the end of the Rugby World Cup in France later this year to join Racing.
The 31-year-old said he asked the two-time World Cup winner, the former All Black midfielder, questions about the club Carter also featured for during the latter part of his career.
READ | SARU Chairman Alexander Reacts To Kolisi’s Impending Departure: ‘It’s Sad To See Siya Go’
“He is part of the reasons why I came to Racing,” Kolisi told French publication L’Equipe.
I talked to him a lot about it, I called him to ask him questions and he only said good things for the club.
“He warned me that there were a lot of distractions here for the players, but that you have to make sure you stay focused on the rugby.”
Kolisi said Racing was the only club he discussed a possible move abroad with, ruling out other potential candidates such as big-spending Toulon, where his close friend and fellow Springbok Chelsin Kolbe plies his trade.
“I only had talks with Racing. Toulon is a great club, but I already knew where I wanted to go and I wasn’t interested in talking to other teams,” Kolisi said.
“I saw how much Racing wanted me, and that was all I needed.”
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