Siya Kolisi Set For Emotional Sharks Farewell After URC Disappointment And Stormers Return

• The Sharks are heading into their final two fixtures of a frustrating season, with pressure mounting after falling short of key targets
• Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is preparing to close a significant chapter in Durban as a return to Cape Town looms ahead
• Kolisi reflected on his time in KwaZulu-Natal and expressed a sense of responsibility for what was not achieved
• Briefly News spoke exclusively to a rugby analyst about Kolisi's time at Sharks

Only two more games remain for the Sharks this season after a disappointing campaign that saw the KwaZulu-Natal-based club miss out on URC playoff qualification. It will also mark a farewell period of sorts for Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

Kolisi is set to move to Cape Town to be closer to his children as he will rejoin the DHL Stormers. He spoke to the media this week ahead of an emotional farewell to the Sharks after reaching his 50th appearance for the club, acknowledging that there could be no excuses for the team after failing to achieve their goals.

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He began his professional career with the Stormers before moving to France after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His time in France with Racing 92 was brief, and he returned to South Africa after one season, joining the Sharks.

Speaking to Briefly News, rugby analyst Thabang Mokoena said Siya Kolisi’s departure from the Sharks closes a chapter that carried huge expectations but never fully delivered on the field.

“Siya Kolisi brought leadership, global stature and emotional connection to the Sharks, but rugby is ultimately judged by results. Missing out on the URC playoffs with the quality they had in that squad will feel like a massive missed opportunity for everyone involved.”

Mokoena added that Kolisi’s honesty about the season would resonate with supporters who expected far more from the Durban side.

“What stands out is that Kolisi is not hiding behind excuses. He understands the standards attached to his name and to the Sharks jersey. Fans appreciate accountability, especially from a captain of his stature.”

He also believes the move back to Cape Town could help Kolisi rediscover stability both on and off the field ahead of a crucial period for the Springboks.

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“The return to the Stormers feels bigger than rugby. Being closer to his children and returning to the environment where his professional journey started could refresh him mentally and emotionally. A settled Siya Kolisi is still one of the most influential figures in world rugby.”

Kolisi reflects on Sharks’ URC disappointment

Kolisi said the Sharks were deeply disappointed to have missed out on a top-eight finish, adding that the squad felt they should have qualified given the quality within the group. He stressed that there were no excuses for the failure to reach their target.

He added that the team remains determined to end the season on a positive note, saying the players feel they have let down supporters who have been consistently backing them throughout the campaign. Kolisi noted that there is a strong sense of responsibility to improve.

Looking ahead to their upcoming fixture against Benetton, he acknowledged the challenge posed by the Italian side, describing them as a strong outfit that has already beaten several top teams this season. He said the Sharks are focused on finishing strongly and building momentum for the final two matches.

Siya Kolisi emotional as Stormers return looms

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Kolisi said his return to the Stormers will mark a full-circle moment, reflecting on how his professional career began in Cape Town after leaving school. He noted that he is now set to add to his 118 caps for the franchise.

Speaking about his departure from the Sharks, Kolisi described it as an emotional period, saying it is difficult to say goodbye to a club that has meant a great deal to him and his family. He expressed gratitude to the people of KwaZulu-Natal for welcoming them and making them feel at home, adding that his children have enjoyed their time in Durban and formed strong bonds with the team and community.

He said the family plans to return regularly and will continue supporting the Sharks from a distance.

“I am immensely grateful to the Sharks for everything they have done for me, not just in my career, but in supporting my family and helping me stay close to my children. I am going to enjoy these final two weeks in this wonderful city and look forward to seeing the supporters one last time so I can say a proper goodbye.”

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Source: Briefly News