The Sharks are set to pull off a major coup by re-signing Siya Kolisi, but the Springbok captain’s return to Durban could come at the cost of losing Vincent Tshituka.
Kolisi, who joined Top 14 outfit Racing 92 after leading the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup glory in 2023, is reportedly negotiating an early exit from his contract, which was set to run until 2026.
The Sharks are reported to be leading the race to sign the 33-year-old, who made 31 appearances in all competitions in his first three-season stint at Kings Park.
However, the deal, which is set be announced in the coming days, could come with with an extra twist.
According to RugbyPass, Kolisi’s imminent return has caused French clubs to turn their attentions to the Sharks squad, in particular Vincent Tshituka, who is entering the final year of his contract with the franchise.
Toulon, La Rochelle, Pau, Montpellier and defending Top 14 and European champions Toulouse have all reportedly put Tshituka on their radars and could even try and offer the flanker an immediate exit.
Tshituka has made 27 appearances in two seasons since joining the Sharks from the Lions in 2022.
Having starred in the charge for the Challenge Cup title, he appears to have started to find his footing at Kings Park, after being disrupted by niggling injuries.
The 25-year-old has been joined at the Sharks by younger brother Emmanuel, who recently made the move down to Durban from Johannesburg as part of a big window for the franchise.
The Sharks have also signed Springboks Andre Esterhuizen, Trevor Nyakane, Jason Jenkins and Jordan Hendrikse, so allowing Vincent Tshituka to leave a year early could allow the franchise to recoup some of the significant outlay for those transfers.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Siya’s Sharks return coming with Tshituka twist? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
