Dobson Admits Interest In Siya Kolisi
DHL Stormers director of rugby, John Dobson has cleared the air on rumors linking Sharks flanker, Siya Kolisi with a potential return to the United Rugby Championship side in Cape Town.
Recent speculation suggests that the Springbok captain has shown interest in a move back to his former side Stormers where he enjoyed his first run as a professional rugby player from 2012 to 2020.
The 33-year-old then enjoyed two seasons with the Durban outfit before jumping ship, joining French side Racing 92 in 2023.
After a short stint with the Pro 14 side, Kolisi made a shocking return to the Sharks immediately after the previous season.
Concerning the player’s contractual binding with his current team, Dobson did not confirm nor deny negotiations between the two parties but maintained his interest in the two-time World Cup-winning Bok.
“I think if there are negotiations about something, then to prematurely announce something would be detrimental to the negotiations. It’s pretty much common, it’s out there that Siya might be interested in a move back and it’s something we’d entertain but he’s under contract with the Sharks so the first conversation would be if they were prepared to,” maintained Dobson.
The loose forward could be set for the most unprecedented cross-country transfer having just rejoined the Sharks through an R18 million worth early exit request from his former side, also having spent barely half a season with the Challenge Cup champions.
The Stormers man further acknowledged their healthy relationship with the Sharks, confirming that there has not been any direct conversation with Kolisi, given he is still under contract.
“So we haven’t certainly…we didn’t approach Siya and say please come. With respect, we have a great relationship with the Sharks, and that’s up to him in those regards,” asserted Dobson.
The South African icon, who has been playing as number 8 with Sharks, could be looking to hang his boots closer to where he began his professional career (Cape Town) as he edges closer to retirement, returning to a side he successfully captained, enjoying the most (118) appearances in a single team.
The former Western Province coach further cemented his sentiments saying, “If Siya would like to join us that would be something between him and the Sharks because he’s got a contract there that we respect.”
BKT United Rugby Championship, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa 28/12/2024
DHL Stormers vs Hollywoodbets Sharks
John Dobson coach of the DHL Stormers at his interview
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/SteveHaagSport/EJ Langner
