The Sharks are reportedly not willing to let Siya Kolisi leave Durban early.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi looks set to remain at the Sharks despite reports linking him to a return to the Stormers.
In December last year, reports emerged stating that the flanker was eyeing a return to the Stormers at the end of the current season.
The 33-year-old rejoined the Sharks after just one season at French club Racing 92 following a failed stint in Paris.
Latest Siya Kolisi rumour
Kolisi’s split with wife Rachel prompted the rumours that he was keen on a return to the Stormers where he started his career as a move to Cape Town would mean that he would be closer to his children.
News24 reported that while the Stormers’ new owners are not eager to splash big amounts of money on superstars, Kolisi was reportedly willing to take a pay cut in order to make the move possible.
However, a fresh report by Afrikaans publication Rapport suggests that the links last year were wide of the mark.
According to Rapport, the Stormers have not held any talks with Kolisi over a possible deal and have not opened discussions with the Sharks to buy the Springboks captain out of his contract that runs until 2027.
“The Stormers have not even formally approached the Sharks about the possibility of releasing Siya from his contract early,” a source told the publication.
“The Sharks realise that Siya is going through a difficult time with his divorce and they will do everything possible to support him through this period.
“He has been playing good rugby for the Sharks since returning from Racing 92 after the World Cup and the Sharks are not interested in releasing him from his contract early.”
Transfer fee
Businessman Vincent Mai paid a transfer fee around R17million to Racing 92 in order to secure Kolisi’s return to the Sharks and there were suggestions that the Sharks were eager to recoup that money if the flanker were to rejoin the Stormers.
However, another source confirmed to the Rapport that this is ‘untrue’ as again it was stated that no talks between the two South African teams have taken place.
Last year, Stormers coach John Dobson said that he was open to the possibility of Kolisi returning to Cape Town.
“It’s out there that Siya would be interested in a move back and it’s something we’d entertain, but he’s under contract with the Sharks,” he told reporters.
“The first conversation is – if Siya would like to join us – that would be something between him and the Sharks; he’s got a contract there that we respect.”
Rugby World Cup 2027
Kolisi now looks set to remain in Durban until the 2027 Rugby World Cup after which he is likely to hang up his boots. The veteran forward has been in fine form for the Sharks recently after a standout 2024 with the Springboks but there is some doubt if he will still be playing at such a high level by the time Australia 2027 comes around.
“He’s playing great rugby but three more years at that level… I would love to have him as a captain at the next World Cup but it’s going to be really tough,” ex-Springboks head coach Nick Mallett said on the Boks Office podcast.
Gary Gold agreed with Mallett, adding: “It’s going to be tight.”
While the Sharks are set to retain the services of Kolisi, they are bound to be without flanker James Venter who has signed to join Premiership club Gloucester next season.
