The All Black legend Dan Carter had an impact on Siya Kolisi’s decision to leave South Africa and join Racing 92 in France, as the double World Cup winner has disclosed.
The loose forward, who led the Springboks to their second consecutive Rugby World Cup championship, signed with his new team last week and was spotted there when they played Stade Francais.
After spending his entire rugby career in South Africa, first with the Stormers and subsequently with the Durban-based Sharks, Kolisi clarified that his relocation to France was “the missing piece” in his career.
He had conversations with former Racing players Dan Carter, an All Black legend who helped the team win a Top 14 championship in 2016, and Yannick Nyanga, who played there for four seasons before ending his career.
The 32-year-old was also greatly attracted to the Top 14 because of its standing as one of the most competitive rugby competitions.
“I’m eager to play. For me, the missing component is the Top 14. It is one of the hardest championships in the world, which is why I came for the reputation. He said to Rugby Rama, “I have to prove myself on the pitch.
Before signing, I had conversations with Yannick Nyanga and Cameron Woki. Dan Carter also played a role in my arrival.
In an effort to help Racing 92 achieve greater success, Jacky Lorenzetti, the club chairman and majority owner, also had a hand in signing Kolisi the player rather than the brand.
The captain of the Springboks stated that the team aspires to follow in the footsteps of teams that have won league and European titles, such as Toulouse and Toulouse.
“Jacky Lorenzetti informed me that he was more interested in hiring rugby players than superstars. This is really appreciated,” he remarked.
“We have something to build as Racing 92 is a club that has not accomplished as much as Toulon or Toulouse, and I want to be a part of this history.”
Having played in South Africa my entire life, it’s special to join a new club that is so different. However, Jacky [Lorenzetti] and my teammates made things simpler for me.
“Everything is going really well because my family moved before me.”
