South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi to join Racing 92

South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi has announced that he will join Top 14 club Racing 92 in October post 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Kolisi made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Western Province in 2011 and made his Super Rugby debut for Stormers in 2012.

He made a switch to Sharks in 2021 and was appointed the club captain for the 2022/23 Champions Cup campaign.

The 31-year-old has been granted an early release from his contract and will head to Racing 92 after the World Cup in France.

“Siya has been an instrumental and much-loved member of the Cell C Sharks family since his arrival two years ago,” said Sharks chief executive Eduard Coetzee.

"His well-documented and commendable leadership qualities extends far beyond the playing field, and this is none more so evident than his involvement with the launch of the Players First programme, as well as his commitment in the expansion of The Sharks brand to a global market.

“His move to France is a new and exciting opportunity, and we could not be happier for him. We are blessed to have him don the black and white jersey, and we know that over the next few months, he will continue to give back to the team and our fans.”

Kolisi, who guided South Africa to a World Cup triumph in 2019 thanked Sharks for the support.

“It has been an incredible collaborative effort between the Sharks and Racing 92 that has enabled me to start a new chapter in my career after the 2023 World Cup,” he said.

“I want to give a massive thanks to the Cell C Sharks for welcoming me with open arms in 2021, and for making me feel so at home in Durban, while their support over the last couple of years has been hugely influential during a key period in my career.

“I am immensely appreciative that the Sharks have given me their blessing to make this move, and it goes without saying that I will continue to give my all for the team over the next few months.”