The long-awaited moment has – finally – arrived. Less than a month after winning his second world title with South Africa, Siya Kolisi (32) will play his first match with Racing 92, his new club, this Sunday evening, against Stade Rochelais. An event that the Ile-de-France club will celebrate with great fanfare at Paris La Défense Arena, in prime time on Canal.
After the long celebrations in which he participated in South Africa after the Boks’ coronation, the South African captain was officially presented at the beginning of November at Plessis-Robinson. And had not hidden his impatience at the idea of starting with Racing 92. “I can’t wait to play my first match,” he said. I feel good, I have already participated in training with my new teammates. I was like a kid on the first day of school.”
After this first contact, the former player of the Cape Stormers and the Durban Sharks was entitled to a few additional days of vacation, during which he went to New York. In addition to his obligations with his partners and promotion with his foundation, he attended the NBA match between the Brooklyn Nets and the Orlando Magic (124-104). Before warmly supporting, from the Jean-Bouin stands, his teammates during the derby won against Stade Français Paris and returning to training at the start of the week.
With the firm attention to bringing all his experience and energy to his new teammates. “I have a reputation but it’s not the reputation that will play a role on the pitch,” he says. I have to prove myself, learn a new language and understand a new culture.” A motivation that he repeated last Sunday on the Canal Rugby Club set: “I can’t wait to play. The Top 14 is the missing piece for me. I came for my reputation. It is one of the most difficult championships in the world. I have to prove myself on the field.”
One thing is certain, Siya Kolisi did not have any integration problems in Hauts-de-Seine. Warm, sunny and enthusiastic, he quickly won over his new teammates. Let him not hesitate to spoof. Like this joke towards her new hooker: “I haven’t yet managed to find Camille Chat’s neck! He has no separation between head and shoulders… He could be sponsored by Head
An impression confirmed by his new partner in the third line, the international Ibrahim Diallo, who told Midi Olympique: “He is friendly, relaxed, adorable… Usually, the new guys stay in their corner. Usually, you’re the one who picks them up to make them feel comfortable. Him ? He goes to see everyone, takes an interest in you and after five minutes, you feel like you have a lifelong friend in front of you.” And to confide that he – too – was teased by the Springbok: “He noticed that I was putting moisturizer on myself in the locker room and since then, hasn’t stopped teasing me with it. He blended in.”
Even if this total change of life was not easy, at first, for the Boks flanker with 83 caps. “It’s a bit difficult,” he admits. I’ve played in South Africa all my life and to move to a new club, so different, is special. But my teammates and Jacky Lorenzetti (club owner) made things easier for me. My family moved before me so everything is going very well.” With, of course, other advantages: “I will be able to walk in the street without being recognized. I will be able to drop my children off at school and fully enjoy my role as a father. This is, in the end, the most important thing for me.”
All that remains is to find his place on the field. Within an Altosequan team, co-leader of the Top 14 after seven days, which has so far succeeded in starting a new cycle under the orders of Stuart Lancaster, former coach of the XV de la Rose (2011-2015) and ex- deputy in the Irish province of Leinster (2016-2023). “I spoke with the coach, we spoke in his office and he asked me how I felt after being crowned world champion, what my feelings were. He wanted me to rest but I really wanted to meet my new teammates. He gave me advice and I realized how lucky I was by coming here.” An opportunity that will last until 2026.