Kolbe: Big win for Racing to sign ‘phenomenal’ Siya

Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe says French Top 14 club, Racing 92, is lucky to have secured the services of his national teammate and close friend Siya Kolisi.

Kolbe has been plying his trade in France for six years, playing first for Toulouse from 2017 to 2021 before signing for rivals Toulon.

Because Kolbe has not enjoyed the same success at Toulon that he had at Toulouse, rumours have been abound about him potentially leaving the club to join a Japanese side after the World Cup despite his contract running until 2024.

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However, in an interview with AFP, the 29-year-old squashed those rumours.

“I’m not going to Japan, I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying here. I still have a lot I would love to do and give back to this jersey, I’ll still be here until 2024,” Kolbe said.

KOLBE HAPPY TO HAVE KOLISI MOVING TO FRANCE

It was during the same interview that Kolbe expressed his excitement about Kolisi moving to France post-World Cup, saying Racing 92 is lucky to have landed the Springbok captain’s signature.

“It’s a big win for Racing to get him. He’s a phenomenal guy, a phenomenal player,” Kolbe said.

“As a close friend of mine, wherever he goes, I’m happy. t’s a pity he didn’t choose to come to Toulon!” Kolbe jokingly added.

SPRINGBOKS’ 2023 FIXTURES:

Rugby Championship:
Saturday, 8 July – Springboks vs Australia (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 15 July – Springboks vs New Zealand (Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland)
Saturday, 29 July – Springboks vs Argentina (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

RWC warm-up fixtures:
Saturday, 5 August – Springboks v Argentina (venue TBC)
Saturday, 19 August – Springboks vs Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
Friday, 25 August – Springboks vs New Zealand (Twickenham, London)

RWC pool fixtures:
Sunday, 10 September – Springboks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)
Sunday, 17 September – Springboks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)
Saturday, 23 September – Springboks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris)
Sunday, 1 October – Springboks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)

Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final

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