The latest on Siya's homecoming
NEWS: Siya Kolisi’s much-anticipated return to the Sharks could be on the brink of collapse after negotiations between the South African franchise and his current employers, Racing 92, look to have hit a major stumbling block.
Earlier this month it was reported that Kolisi, 33, was pushing for a return to the Sharks after less than a season in France and that initial talks were progressing smoothly.
He made 18 appearances for Racing after leading South Africa to back-to-back World Cup Final victories.
However, since then, he has struggled to find his rhythm at Racing 92, and owner Jacky Lorenzetti is far from impressed with his efforts.
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Lorenzetti launched a stinging attack after the French side’s Top 14 31-17 play-off defeat to Bordeaux-Begles in June.
He claimed that Kolisi: “gained weight, lost shape, and yesterday he was invisible.”
The 33-year-old Kolisi, who is currently playing for South Africa in the Rugby Championship, was reported to exit Racing and rejoin his former franchise when his commitments with the Springboks end.
However, according to Rugbypass’ sources in Paris, the talks to agree on a transfer fee have stalled, with Racing wanting back the R17 million (around £726,200) they splashed out to sign him.
Despite his criticism, Lorenzetti appears in no mood to compromise or even strike a deal. He is playing hardball by demanding the full payment upfront before agreeing to release Kolisi from his three-year contract.
But the Sharks are trying to negotiate payment terms and would prefer to spread the cash out over the next two or three seasons, which Lorenzetti has turned down flat, and the talks have reached a stalemate.
And that has things stand, Kolisi will have to return to Paris after the Boks’ final Rugby Championship game against Argentina at the end of next month despite the breakdown of his relationship with Lorenzetti if nothing gives.
By Neil Fissler, Rugbypass
