Siya update: France is not for everyone

The headlines centred around Siya Kolisi’s rather public roasting by Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti.

However, his well-documented departure from Paris and return to Durban was swayed more by personal matters than any bad vibes in France.

For the record, the ‘separation’ between Kolisi and Racing was amicable and done in a way that was best for all parties.

They departed on good terms and even though the details of the ‘discussions’ between Kolisi and Lorenzetti remain privileged to a small group, there is no lingering animosity.

It is no secret that the Kolisi family missed home, South Africa.

Through the Kolisi Foundation, Siya and wife Rachel put a premium on the true meaning of Ubuntu – humanity to others.

This is at the heart of the personal/family reasons for his return to South Africa.

While the Kolisi family worked hard to integrate into and acclimatise to the French culture, there is nothing wrong with missing South Africa.

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I have been to several countries on sporting tours – from Mauritius (for athletics) to France (for the World Cup).

I have a point of reference for the World Cup and the challenges in France.

They are generally very affable and warmhearted people, generally willing to assist visitors.

There are the occasional – small minority, as you find in any country – that are uncultured and heathenish.

A case in point is my arrival in Marseille, en route to the Springbok base in Toulon, after 24 hours and three airports.

My luggage was the obvious giveaway that I was a traveller and I made the mistake (or was unfortunate) to ask what appeared to be a railway official for directions at the train station.

In perfectly good English, I was told: ‘I don’t speak pigeon English.’

It may have been fatigue, but that did not go down well.

I was very tempted to tell him in Afrikaans exactly what I thought.

Two months later that unpleasant incident was a vague memory of a very memorable trip to France – capped by the World Cup win.

My point is that while the adults, Siya and Rachel, can adjust quicker to the challenges of a new culture, their young children will have found it a lot more challenging – especially given Siya’s constant absenteeism through work (rugby) and many social engagements.

It is very clear, that France is not for everyone.

Back in South Africa, with a network of family and familiar support groups, it would also be a lot easier to ensure the smooth running of the Kolisi Foundation.

I, for one, understand the need to return to the comforts of home.

For the record.

Kolisi’s return is mainly for family reasons, with details to be provided in a media release somewhere in the near future.

If Kolisi’s talks with the Sharks are successful – and no reason it should not be – his return to the Shark Tank will be unveiled this week.

However, he is unlikely to be available to the Sharks before December, given his international (Springbok) commitments.

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