South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has signed with French Top 14 team Racing 92 yesterday.
He will join Racing 92 after the completion of the Rugby World Cup in France and team up with several other Springboks at the Parisian club.
The 31-year-old Sharks flanker is the first black player to captain South Africa and will be the three-time European Champions Cup finalists’ marquee player, replacing Scottish fly-half Finn Russell, who is leaving for English Premiership side Bath.
Two fellow 2019 World Cup winners, utility back Warrick Gelant and prop Trevor Nyakane play for Racing.
Racing owner, Jacky Lorenzetti said Kolisi’s inspiring leadership would bring added value to the team.
Kolisi has been granted an early release from his Sharks contract.
Kolisi, who joined the Sharks from the Stormers in Cape Town, said he was “immensely appreciative that the Sharks have given me their blessing to make this move”.
He had an outstanding 2022 season for the reigning world champions, playing in 12 of 13 Tests, raising his international appearances to 75.
Racing currently lie fourth in the French Top 14 table, 12 points behind leaders Toulouse, after eight victories, a draw and five losses this season.
