Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is set to end his stint with the Sharks and return to Cape Town, with reports on Tuesday suggesting that he has agreed to rejoin the Stormers at the conclusion of the current United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
According to News24, the Sharks have agreed to release Kolisi from his contract, despite initially insisting that the 34-year-old honour his deal in Durban.
The decision reportedly comes after weeks of discussions, with the KwaZulu-Natal franchise ultimately relenting.
Began his career in the Cape
Kolisi began his professional rugby career with the Stormers before moving abroad to French Top 14 club Racing 92 and later returning to South Africa to join the Sharks.
His desire to return to Cape Town earlier than planned was reportedly influenced by personal circumstances, including wanting to be closer to his children following his divorce from former wife Rachel.
Kolisi was spotted this week, reportedly in the Seychelles, with his two children, Nicholas (11) and Keziah (9).
The Sharks’ next URC clash against the Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, 3 January.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30.
High-profile signing
The Sharks paid a reported R17 million to secure Kolisi’s release from Racing 92, making him one of the most high-profile signings in South African rugby.
The development has reportedly already been communicated to Kolisi’s Sharks team-mates, who have enjoyed an improved run of form in recent weeks under new interim head coach JP Pietersen.
Kolisi’s return to the Stormers will bolster the Cape side’s leadership and experience as they look ahead to future domestic and international campaigns.
Kolisi has played 103 Tests to date for the Springboks, and captained the side in 71 of those matches.
Meanwhile, earlier this week the Stormers announced the long-term signing of star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Siya Kolisi Test factfile:
| Full names: Siyamthanda Kolisi |
| Date of birth: 16 June 1991 |
| Place of birth: Port Elizabeth |
| School: Grey High School |
| Springbok #851 |
| Physical: 1.86m, 103kg |
| Current age: 34 |
| Test summary: Tests: 103 Tries: 14 |
| First Test: 15 June 2013 – Reserve against Scotland at Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela |
| Last Test: 29 November 2025 – Flank against Wales at Principality Stadium, Cardiff |
