Siya Kolisi had an emotional reunion with his former Sharks colleagues, including “bestie” Eben Etzebeth, after recently returning to his home at the Stormers.
The 35-year-old made his comeback to the Cape Town club last week in Edinburgh. For the first time in five years, Siya donned a Stormers jersey at the DHL Stadium this weekend.
The Stormers beat the visiting team 39-22.
SIYA KOLISI HAS EMOTIONAL REUNION WITH SHARKS COLLEAGUESAfter the final whistle blew, signalling the Stormers’ URC match victory against the Sharks, Siya Kolisi rushed over to embrace his opponents, who were once his colleagues.
The rugby hero warmly embraced players like Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Jurenzo Julius, and his Springbok bestie, Eben Etzebeth.
Rugby fans commented that the moment signalled that the players were opponents on the pitch, but “brothers” off of it.
Take a look…
@urc Siya spending time with all his boys 🥹 #unitedrugbychampionship #rugbytok #sportsontiktok #rugby ♬ Deep Reflection – Morris Tapes
Just moments before, Siya performed cartwheels on the pitch after scoring a try in the first few minutes of the game.
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RETURN TO STORMERS
According to Stormers boss John Dobson, Siya Kolisi cut short his Springbok break to fly across the world from Australia to join the Stormers in Edinburgh last week.
Siya had been released by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of the national team’s match against the Wallabies last month.
The Boks captain used the opportunity to bond with his home team, who played Edinburgh Rugby. Siya managed to get in the game time, marking his 119th cap for the Stormers franchise and his first appearance for the club in over five years.
Dobson said of Siy Kolisia’s decision: “Actions speak louder than words. It came from him, the call to join us, and I think it’s been invaluable, because of the bridging with the Springboks, and just who he is. He is such a good presence in the team – cheerful, smiling, fooling around.”