Springboks captain and back-row Siya Kolisi has been unveiled by the Sharks following confirmation of him joining the Durban-based outfit.
This follow news at the weekend that Kolisi has parted ways with Western Province after an 11-year journey, which has spanned his entire professional rugby career to date.
The Sharks have emerged as a much bigger player in global recruitment following their takeover by US investment consortium MVM Holdings, but Kolisi’s signing represents its own ability to keep the Springboks top stars in South Africa.
TRP reported last month on the Sharks’ interested in bringing Andre Esterhuizen back to Durban, only a matter of months into the centre’s stint in the Premiership with Harlequins.
The Sharks confirmed the news of Kolisi’s signing, saying: “This is a historic day for the Sharks, as Kolisi joins our proud franchise as a South African national icon, having led our Springbok team to the top of the world rankings in 2019.
“Kolisi’s ongoing strong appetite to win trophies and better himself on the field, matched with the Sharks strategic vision and defined blueprint for success, drove Kolisi’s motivation to expand his horizons within SA rugby, and embark on this exciting new chapter in Durban.”
Commenting on his signing, the Sharks’ chief executive, Eduard Coetzee, said: “We are delighted to welcome Siya and his family to the Cell C Sharks. We pride ourselves on being a family unit who support and treat each other unbelievably well and a player of Siya’s pedigree is a welcomed addition to the team.
“He is a class act and undoubtedly a great ambassador for the game and is someone whom our young players will certainly draw inspiration from. We are confident that Siya will fit in seamlessly into our team environment and will thrive with the unique culture that we have in Durban.”
Kolisi added: “I bought into the vision of the Sharks immediately – the energy around the club, the management set-up, the squad and the potential for success was so strong.
“I have always had a desire to be the best, and play with the best, to reach my potential on-and-off the field, and this move is just another step in maximising what I can achieve within my career.
“This is a very exciting new chapter for me and my loved ones, and one I am embracing fully. I arrive with a commitment to give this team everything I have, and I’m thankful to the Sharks for the opportunity.
“We can’t wait to see what Durban has to offer.”
