By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has left Racing 92 with two years of his contract still to run, the French Top 14 club announced on Sunday.
Kolisi, 33, joined Racing in January 2023 from Durban side Sharks.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner’s contract was due to run out in 2026 but Racing have agreed to terminate it early.
“Siya Kolisi and Racing 92 have reached an agreement to end the contract,” a club statement read.
“The two parties thank each other for the sporting moments in the sky blue and white jersey and wish each other in the future”.
“When I arrived in Paris, I didn’t know what the future of my international career was but when I started playing for the national team again (in June), I realised that my body has no rest. And above all, if I play for South Africa, I miss three months of the Top 14 season. I am very well paid and it makes me feel like I am stealing from Racing, said Kolisi.
“So, for me, my physical health and the club, I want to do what is right, I don’t want to only invest half of myself. When they recruited me, they thought they had a full-time Siya Kolisi. But I love playing for South Africa so much, I want to continue with the Springboks.”
Fullview understands Kolisi will rejoin the Sharks after the end of the Rugby Championship.
Flanker Kolisi is currently competing for the Springboks at the tournament where the team most recently beat New Zealand 18-12.
South Africa top the Rugby Championship table with four wins from four games. The team have two matches remaining, both against Argentina.