Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has dismissed speculation about a return to the Sharks from Racing 92 amid ongoing uncertainty at the French club.

Kolisi has been the subject of intense media scrutiny in recent days, with reports suggesting he desires a return to South Africa and that SA Rugby may be involved in facilitating the move.

However, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed the team’s involvement in the discussions while emphasizing that the final decision rests with the Sharks, adding, “We didn’t want him back, but his agent persisted.”

Kolisi joined Racing 92 from the Sharks last year, after the Springboks successfully defended their Rugby World Cup title. His first season in France was marred by public criticism from Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti, who expressed disappointment with Kolisi’s performance. Following a loss to Bordeaux, Lorenzetti’s comparison of Kolisi to former player Wenceslas Lauret fueled speculation about a potential return to South Africa, ideally with the Sharks, aligning with Erasmus’ preference for his captain to play domestically.

While in Australia for the first Rugby Championship test, Kolisi expressed his unawareness of the media speculation. “Actually, I don’t know what’s happening or what’s been said because I’m focused on this weekend’s match,” he said in an online meeting on Friday morning. “I can’t control my future right now; all I can do is focus on the national team.”

The Springboks, who will play at the sold-out Suncorp Stadium on Saturday (6:45), have not won there since 2013. Despite their World Cup triumphs, Lions Series victory, and world number one ranking tag, the team has struggled in the Rugby Championship, with most players having won it only once.

Kolisi, set to earn his 82nd Springbok cap with Elrigh Louw as his new number eight partner, acknowledged the team’s poor Rugby Championship record. “Of course, we talk about it,” he admitted. “We haven’t performed well in Australia, and they have an impressive record here. Winning the Rugby Championship won’t be possible with just two victories, but we can lose it by performing poorly in these two games. Our primary focus is on this match, as we tend to win the second test after losing the first.”

The Boks last won the Championship was in 2019 and New Zealand, who they will face twice in South Africa, has won the last three editions.