Siya Kolisi is eager to make his mark in his second stint with the Sharks, and his much-anticipated comeback is on the horizon. After the Rugby Championship, Kolisi has been busy with various engagements across the country, but his return to the Sharks is drawing closer.
In September, it was confirmed that Kolisi would return to the Sharks after a brief period at the French club Racing 92, and the Springbok captain has expressed his excitement about heading back to Durban.
The Sharks are scheduled to face Italian club Benetton in the fourth round of the 2024-25 United Rugby Championship (URC) this weekend, before hosting the Glasgow Warriors on 19 October. Coach John Plumtree has indicated that Kolisi, along with other Springbok stars like Eben Etzebeth, will be reintegrated into the team around this time. Their return to action comes after their last appearance in the Rugby Championship finale.
Plumtree commented, “I think they need to play before they go on the end-of-year tour because they’ve had a couple of weeks off now. But the most important part for me is that they want to play. We’re confident they’ll be eager to get back in the Sharks jersey, but we need to figure out the best way to integrate them.”
Following the match against Glasgow, the Sharks will face Munster on 26 October, just before the Springboks are expected to depart for their November Tests.
Kolisi’s return will be a significant boost to the Sharks’ forward pack, which already includes several Springbok regulars. This marks his second stint at Kings Park, having previously played for the Sharks from 2021 to 2023.
Kolisi shared his excitement about coming back: “My family has missed South Africa, and it’s time to come home. I’m thankful to Racing for accommodating my request. I’m excited to rejoin the Sharks in Durban, a city we love, and I can’t wait to play at Kings Park during the 2024-2025 season.”
