Victor Matfield believes Siya Kolisi rejoining the Sharks after a brief stint in France will better manage his workload while making the Springbok skipper more accessible.
The Sharks on Monday officially confirmed the return of Kolisi following his release from his contract with Racing 92. The announcement came less than 24 hours after the French club announced that Kolisi had left with two years of his contract still to run.
Speaking to News24, Matfield highlighted the advantages for Kolisi back in South Africa, where SA Rugby will prioritise the 32-year-old’s well-being, especially with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind.
The Bok legend also pointed out how being back allows Kolisi to focus on off-field matters, such as his foundation work, which aligns with South African rugby’s culture.
“France and England, but especially France, is the toughest on players because you can play a lot of games,” Matfield told News24. “It’s great to have him [Kolisi] back in SA.
ICYMI – Kolisi ‘back home’ with Sharks
“We can all see the impact that he has on people, and he also loves to be among the people.
“He’s not the person who shrinks in between people, and I think he’ll have a huge impact on his return. The Sharks will benefit hugely from his return.”
“If you become a senior player in South Africa, with your union and the Boks, you aren’t just a player, you get involved in things off the field,” the 127-Test lock added. “That’s part of your life, and you love doing it, but once you’re over that side, you’re just a player.
“When I was with the Bulls, I used to sit with the coaches and discuss future-related matters with management. I loved doing that, but when you’re overseas, they don’t quite have the same dream that you have for yourself.
“You can see with the Boks that they have the same dream, and they chasing it together to achieve that.”
Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP
The post Matfield: Siya’s return a ‘dream’ deal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
