Eben Etzebeth’s savage put-down on Siya Kolisi after Springboks captain’s move to Racing 92
Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth at South Africa's parade following Rugby World Cup win.
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has jokingly disowned his international team-mate Siya Kolisi following the latter’s move to the Top 14.
The South African greats were team-mates for both club and country last season, but the national team captain has since joined a new side.
Kolisi signed for Racing 92 ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and made his debut following the Rugby World Cup in their victory over La Rochelle.
Lock also returns to action
Etzebeth also featured at the weekend, starting for the Sharks in their dominant 69-14 triumph over the Dragons in Durban.
The lock then posted a picture on Instagram with a caption that marked his return, which said: “Great to back with the @sharksrugby”.
Kolisi responded with a couple of affectionate emojis, but the gargantuan second-row wasn’t having it and poked a bit of fun at the Boks skipper.
“If you not in my team, I don’t want you in my comments!” he quipped.
Kolisi responded by saying: “I’m sorry I was just passing by couldn’t (help) myself! Saying hello from the other side!”
The Springboks captain had spent his entire professional career in South Africa, firstly with the Stormers before two years at the Sharks, but he decided to move to Europe for the 2023/24 season.
Racing announced his signing in January and he met up with his team-mates last week after spending some time in New York for a Kolisi Foundation fundraiser.
Kolisi’s first Racing game
The back-row was named in the Paris outfit’s starting line-up for the Top 14 game on Sunday and he played 54 minutes in the 32-10 win.
“I was quite nervous before the game because your reputation and all that you do can only take you so far,” Kolisi told reporters.
“The guys only respect you by what you do on the field and that’s what I wanted to do, play well and add value with what I do on the field.
“It’s going to be tough for me to stamp my authority but I’m going to give my best.”
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