The latest rugby transfer news: Siya Kolisi returns to the Sharks
09/09/2024 03:08 AM
South African rugby players are in demand the world over and it can be a chore to keep track of all the latest moves.
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The latest rugby transfer news
Here we run through some of the latest rugby transfer news relating to South African players.
Siya Kolisi returns to the Sharks
The Sharks have confirmed Siyamthanda Kolisi, the inspirational two-time winning Rugby World Cup Springbok captain will return home to join the Hollywoodbets Sharks upon completion of his current national duties.
After spending a season abroad with Racing 92, Siya makes a welcome return home to his beloved South Africa.
Commenting on his return, The Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell said: "Siya is an influential player, whose leadership and passion is known and celebrated across the globe. We are glad that he has chosen to return to Durban and don the black and white jersey once again. The positive influence he has on young players and the high standards that he sets for himself and those around him, is beneficial to any team he is part of. Off the field, the immense contribution that he makes can never be underestimated."
Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets, who are The Sharks title sponsor commented: "We are thrilled to welcome our two-time World Cup-winning captain back to the Hollywoodbets Sharks! Building on our recent triumph in the EPCR Challenge Cup, John Plumtree’s coaching team is maximizing the winning culture within the squad. The addition of Siya to our line-up is incredibly exciting, and we are confident that our fans are eager to see him back in action at Hollywoodbets Kings Park."
Kolisi thanked The Sharks and Racing 92 for making this move possible: "My family and I have enjoyed a wonderful year abroad that has given us cherished memories. We have missed South Africa though and it is time to come home. I would like to thank Racing 92 for accommodating my request to return home and for the exciting opportunity they gave me to play abroad. It is a great club steeped in tradition with an impressive group of players, who I can now call brothers for life.
"I am excited to be returning to Durban to re-join the Hollywoodbets Sharks. My family and I love Durban and its people, and I cannot wait to run out onto the park at Hollywoodbets Kings Park during the 2024/2025 rugby season.
Powell concluded by stating: "Siya is a much-loved sports personality who has the respect and love of all South Africans, and I am sure that everyone will join us in welcoming our national hero back home."
Waratahs release South African hooker
South African born hooker Theo Fourie has been released by the Waratahs.
Fourie was among several players released by the Sydney-based Super Rugby franchise. He played three games for the Waratahs in 2024 but it is unclear where he will head next.
South African rugby transfer news
Springbok given permission for Japanese sabbatical
The Vodacom Bulls have given Kurt-Lee Arendse permission to take a short-term sabbatical to Japan, which will result in his missing the most of the forthcoming season.
According to Rapport, the Vodacom Bulls have approved Arendse’s short-term transfer to Japanese team Mitsubishi Dynaboars to increase his income.
Arendse, who has been with the Bulls since 2020, is due to return following the Rugby Championship but will depart for Japan in December.
Anthony Volmink will leave the Sharks
Veteran winger Anthony Volmink will leave the Sharks to link up with French Rugby Pro D2 side Union Sportive Cognaçaise from Cognac.
Volmink has added valuable experience to the Sharks setup since 2020, although he has not regularly challenged for a place in the URC starting lineup.
He remains a potent finisher and at D2 level could run in plenty of five-pointers. Volmink also offers positional versatility as he is capable of turning out at centre as well as on the wing.
Volmink will link up with the French club ahead of the start of the D2 season in September.
Exeter Chiefs snap up Stormers prop
English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs have signed Stormers loosehead prop Kwenzo Blose to add depth to their forward pack ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Blose is undoubtedly excited to add to the Chiefs shirt and take to the field with his new teammates.
"I'm really excited to join the Chiefs and I'm looking forward to contributing as much as I can to the club's success.
"A club with huge ambitions, a loyal fan base and a rich history. I hope to add as much value as I can, and I can't wait for the season to get underway."
Exeter Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is intrigued to see what the experienced prop can bring to the first team pack: "People will be aware that over the last couple of seasons we've lost a lot of experience at loosehead with guys like Alec Hepburn and Ben Moon either leaving or retiring.
He also said: “We were delighted with how durable Scott Sio was and how many games he played for us last season.
"We thought we had some back-up lined up with Nika Abuladze, but he was very fortunate to receive a fantastic offer from Montpellier and one which worked for him and his family, so we were happy to make that work. However, that did mean that we've had to go into the market to strengthen our crop of props.
"We're delighted to have gotten hold of Will Goodrick-Clarke – who is training fantastically well – but we still looked for some more experience to back up those two senior players.
“So, as soon as we saw someone like Kwenzo becoming available, we had a call with him and watched him play plenty of rugby.
"As he's with us now, he's settled in well.
“He arrived with a slight neck strain, but we've progressed through that to have him in full training, doing live scrums with us now. He promises to be an exciting, strong and very important member of our squad going forward."
Cheetahs wing joins Ospreys in rugby transfer news
The Ospreys announced this week that Dan Kasende would be joining them on a permanent deal from the Toyota Cheetahs in October 2024.
Speaking on the move, Kasende said: "I'm excited to be re-joining the Ospreys. Even from the brief time I spent at the club, it was easy to see that there's a great setup there, with quality coaches and players.
"I really enjoyed my time at the club last season and l'm looking forward to joining up with the boys again and pushing on this season."
Which team do you back in the URC?
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