Their careers have intertwined for years and share a tight bond off the field, so it’s not surprising Eben Etzebeth told Siya Kolisi he hoped the fellow Bok star returned to SA.
It was confirmed on Monday that Kolisi had re-signed with the Sharks, following his release from his contract with Racing 92. The announcement came less than 24 hours after the French club shared that the Springbok skipper had left with two years of his contract still to run.
The 32-year-old had spent his entire professional career in South Africa, firstly with the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province before two years at the Sharks, but he decided to move to Europe for the 2023-24 season.
Kolisi and Etzebeth met when they were playing Craven Week, then represented UCT, WP, the Stormers and Sharks together, as well as memorably winning the Rugby World Cup with South Africa in 2019 and 2023.
Asked about Kolisi’s return to the Republic and reuniting with his close friend at club level, Etzebeth couldn’t contain his excitement.
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“It is amazing. In my career, it’s one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time off the field,” the 126-Test lock was quoted by Rugby365.
“We’re very close and before he left, I told him, ‘I hope you are only there for a year. I know you signed for longer, but I hope you come back earlier’.
“When he was at the Sharks, after every game we got together with our families, and we had a braai. It is just special to have him back.”
Kolisi, who had been with Racing for less than a year, made 18 appearances last season but has faced sharp criticism from owner Jacky Lorenzetti. Kolisi’s family was reportedly also homesick in the French capital.
“He means so much for South Africa,” Etzebeth added. “He embodies what we want to be in terms of what he does in his off time for kids and people in need.
“He should be in South Africa and he should be here helping with that. It is great to have him back.
“I just hope the whole of South Africa appreciates what it means to have him back. He is an unbelievable player and warrior.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter