Siya Kolisi. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP)
The arrival of South Africa captain and 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Siya Kolisi to Racing 92 this year is highly anticipated, his future teammates at the French club said on Friday, with the new signing hailed as a “legend” .
“It’s good for the club to have signed the captain of the South African world champions,” Racing’s French international lock, Wenceslas Lauret, told a press conference.
He is a very big figure in his country, but also as a player who will bring his experience”.
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Racing announced on Tuesday the arrival of Kolisi after this year’s World Cup, which will host France from September 8 to October 28, in an agreement until 2026.
Fullback Max Spring hailed the arrival of “a leader” in Kolisi.
“He’s already a rugby legend even though he’s still playing, because of the values he brings to the national team,” Spring said.
“We are looking forward to seeing him arrive, he is a great player for whom I have a lot of respect.
“I heard he was a good guy, so he’s already great for group life. And then he’ll bring us combativeness and leadership, it’s great news for the club.”
Kolisi led the Springboks to the 2019 World Cup title, beating England 32-12 in the final in Japan.
The 31-year-old Sharks wing, the first black player to captain South Africa, will feature in the three-time European Champion Clubs’ Cup finalists, replacing Scottish fly-half Finn Russell, who leaves for Bath in the English Premiership. .
“Siya will bring a lot to the club, on and off the field, he knows how to win titles and will take Racing to the top,” added attack and defense coach Rory Teague.
Kolisi joined the Sharks from the Stormers in Cape Town. He joins fellow World Cup winners utility racer Warrick Gelant and prop Trevor Nyakane who play for Racing.
Racing currently sits fourth in the French Top 14 table, 12 points behind leaders Toulouse, after eight wins, one draw and five losses this season.
