Paris — Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti said on Monday former South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was “invisible” in the weekend’s French Top 14 play off defeat to Bordeaux-Begles.
The Parisians lost 31-17 on Sunday condemning back-rower Kolisi to a trophyless season in his first campaign with the club after April’s Champions Cup last-16 loss to eventual winners Toulouse.
“He put on a few kilos, lost his form and yesterday he was invisible,” Lorenzetti told specialist website Rugbyrama.
“We missed him,” the 76-year-old added.
Kolisi, who told AFP last week he had gained 5kg (11 lbs) before losing it again, arrived in the French capital after lifting a second straight Rugby World Cup with the Springboks.
The 32-year-old was brought in by six-time French champions Racing on a two-year deal as a replacement for, among others, ex-France flanker Wenceslas Lauret.
Translation of what Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti said about Siya Kolisi’s season – not the wildest thing a Top 14 club owner has said about a Bok, but it alludes to a post RWC hangover of sorts for Kolisi. https://t.co/eh7ZyoNOYv pic.twitter.com/PVa4IUDYuX
— Thala Msutu (@ThalaMsutu77) June 17, 2024
“At back-row we had been used to seeing an ultra-present warrior like Wenceslas Lauret,” Lorenzetti said.
“For now, Siya isn’t making us forget him.
“But we think next year, it will change,” the Frenchman added.
Racing, without a trophy since 2016’s Top 14 success, have signed ex-England captain Owen Farrell as well as France forwards Demba Bamba and Romain Taofifenua for next season.
They have reportedly agreed a deal for Kolisi’s fellow South African, Stormers’ back-rower Hacjivah Dayiamani.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Instagram/@racing92
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