In a lighthearted gesture, Eben Etzebeth has disowned his Springbok captain Siya Kolisi after the player advanced to the Top 14 in France.
The South African legends were teammates at the Sharks and Springboks last season, for both club and country. However, the captain of the national squad has since moved to Racing 92.
Prior to the 2023–24 season, Kolisi joined Racing 92, and he made his debut in their victory over La Rochelle this past weekend.
Over the weekend, Etzebeth made another appearance. He started the Sharks’ 69-14 United Rugby Championship (URC) victory over the Dragons in Durban.
Posting a picture to Instagram after his return, Etzebeth wrote, “Great to back with the @sharksrugby.”
After receiving a few cutesy emoticons in response, Kolisi became agitated and made light of the Springbok captain. The second-rower answered in kind.
“You shouldn’t be in my comments if you’re not on my team!” He made a joke.
“I’m sorry, I was just passing by and couldn’t (help) myself,” Kolisi replied in response. From across the pond, greeting you!
After playing for the Stormers for two years and then the Sharks for two more, the captain of the Springboks had spent his whole professional career in South Africa. However, he made the decision to transfer to Europe for the 2023–2024 season.
Kolisi was named in Racing 92’s starting line-up for their Top 14 match on Sunday and played 54 minutes in the 32-10 win.
“I was quite nervous before the game because your reputation and all that you do can only take you so far,” Kolisi told reporters.
“The guys only respect you by what you do on the field and that’s what I wanted to do, play well and add value with what I do on the field.
“It’s going to be tough for me to stamp my authority but I’m going to give my best.”
