Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti is disappointed with two-time World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s performance in their French Top 14 playoff defeat to Bordeaux-Begles.
The Parisians lost 31-17 on Sunday, marking Kolisi’s first trophyless season with the club following an earlier Champions Cup last-16 loss to eventual winners Toulouse.
“He put on a few kilos, lost his form, and yesterday he was invisible,” Lorenzetti told Rugbyrama. “We missed him.”
Kolisi, who told AFP that he gained 5kg before losing it again, joined the French capital club after winning his second consecutive Rugby World Cup with the Springboks.
The 32-year-old was brought in on a two-year deal to replace players such as ex-France flanker Wenceslas Lauret.
“At back-row, we had been used to seeing an ultra-present warrior like Wenceslas Lauret,” Lorenzetti said.
“For now, Siya isn’t making us forget him. But we think next year, it will change.”
Racing 92, without a trophy since their 2016 Top 14 success, has signed ex-England captain Owen Farrell and France forwards Demba Bamba and Romain Taofifenua for the next season.
They have also reportedly secured a deal for Kolisi’s fellow South African, Stormers’ back-rower Hacjivah Dayimani.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Siya Kolisi.
Source: Racing 92/X
