The Sharks have reportedly rubbished reports that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi could leave the franchise to rejoin the Stormers.
Kolisi returned to the Sharks in September last year after leaving from French side Racing 92, with businessman Vincent Mai reportedly paying R17 million for his return to the Durban-based outfit.
In December last year, there were widespread reports that the two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain was keen to return to the Stormers in order to be closer to his family in Cape Town following his divorce from his wife Rachel. According to those reports, Kolisi was said to be willing to take a pay cut in order to facilitate the move.
The reports gained further momentum after Stormers coach John Dobson publicly stated that he was not opposed to the flanker joining his side.
Siya Kolisi cooks at the Shark Tank once again 😤🔥
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/HFH1QHbC5o
“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.
“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.” Dobson said as per Planet Rugby.
However, according to Afrikaans publication Rapport, a source privy to the situation has revealed that the Sharks are eager to retain Kolisi and that the Stormers have not made a formal approach to the Durban outfit.
“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.”
IOL Sport