Sharks head coach John Plumtree admitted to being surprised by reports which stated that Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi’s stint with the Durban-based outfit could come to a premature end.
It was widely reported recently that the Kolisi is eager to further his career at the Stormers as he wants to be closer to his two children, Nicholas and Keziah.
Kolisi made his return to the Sharks just four months ago after he ended his brief spell in France where he played for Parisian outfit Racing 92.
Wife and children back in Cape Town
Since rejoining the Sharks at the start of the 2024/25 season, Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, have been separated and she has returned to Cape Town with their children.
Kolisi was in action in the Sharks’ 24-20 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday and Plumtree was questioned about the experienced loose forward’s situation.
“It hasn’t been something that we’ve really handled yet,” Plumtree told reporters. “It was a bit of a surprise to me, and it came about at a time when we were preparing for this game.
“With me, I separate that type of matter, and what matters more to me is the team and not one person’s issue, even if it is the captain. I just asked him if he’s on board, he said yes he is, so let’s get ready for this game.
“We’ll deal with that over the next, whatever, I don’t know. I’m not going to deal with it now.”
Still popular in Cape Town
Kolisi, who started his career as a professional rugby player with the Stormers in 2012, received a loud cheer from spectators at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town when he took to the field during the Sharks’ warm-up session on Saturday.
The 33-year-old also received a round of applause when he was replaced late in the second half as well as after the match while leading the Sharks on a lap of honour.
Ahead of that highly anticipated United Rugby Championship derby in Cape Town, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson responded to rumours of Kolisi’s possible return by saying: “We certainly didn’t approach Siya and we have a great relationship with the Sharks so that’s up to him.
“He’s a great leader and player, and has a long history [with the Stormers] but [a possible move] is up to him and the Sharks.
“Once that box is ticked then we can see what’s in the piggy bank – but that’s another conversation!”
