SARU dismissed Kolisi speculation

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union has dismissed reports that they are about to ‘foot the bill’ for Siya Kolisi’s return home.,

“Speculation that SARU is involved in the ‘buy-out’ of the franchise contract of Siya Kolisi is without any basis in fact,” the national body said in a curt statement.

“SARU also wishes to make clear that it is not in any way involved in any conversations relating to such an outcome should they, in fact, be taking place.

“For clarity, when national players return to play in South Africa, they may be added to the category of Players Of National Interest at the discretion of SARU.

“At such point, their union remuneration is supplemented by SARU.”

The kickback follows reports that Kolisi has asked French giants Racing 92 to release him from his contract so he can make a sensational return to South Africa.

RugbyPass, who reported it as ‘exclusive’ information, said Kolisi’s former franchise, the Sharks, are favourites to land him.

However, local media reports linked him to a return top the Stormers.

According to media reports the Springbok captain – with back-to-back World Cup victories in his back pocket – is one of the world’s highest-paid players, earning around €1-million (about ZAR20-million) a season.

Having started his career with Western Province and the Stormers, before moving to the Sharks in 2021, Kolisi moved to Racing after winning the second World Cup title in Paris last October.

He had cut short his Sharks contract and will have to back out of another deal if he is to return to South Africa.

He played 18 games for Racing, a season marked by injury and unhappiness by the French club’s bosses over his performances.

He was the subject of an extraordinary attack by Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti, who accused him of being ‘invisible’ in their Top 14 quarterfinal loss to Bordeaux-Begles in June.

According to RugbyPass Kolisi had ‘showdown talks’ with Racing bosses this past week and requested to be allowed to leave La Defense Arena after failing to settle in Paris.

The terms of his exit are still being negotiated, but Racing are likely to demand a substantial fee in return for granting his release after they paid out around ZAR17-million (€850k) to buy out his deal with the Sharks.

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