Sharks confirm negotiations with Kolisi

Siya Kolisi, who captained South Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup success, has been linked with Durban-based side the Sharks, with the negotiations reportedly gaining momentum.

The 29-year-old is still contracted to the Stormers/Western Province until July. CEO Eduard Coetzee told SARugbymag.co.za on Tuesday that there were would be no payment of a so-called ‘transfer fee’.

"Ja, we are speaking to Siya, but we are not paying a transfer fee. No!"

"I'm sure Province would love to get a transfer fee, but the Sharks won't pay it."

Reports have suggested that the Province have asked for compensation of around R1 million.

In 2019, Kolisi became the first rugby union figure to sign a deal with Jay-Z's management company Roc Nation Sport.

My pursuit of a greater future and inspiring the youth in our country and beyond will never stop. Blessed to take the next step in my career with the @RocNationSports family. Looking forward to breaking new boundaries with this partnership! #RocFam pic.twitter.com/8dOEvymWn8

— Siya Kolisi (@SiyaKolisi_Bear) December 5, 2019

The news followed Kolisi being named among the top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.

‘For me, personally, transitioning back on the field hasn’t been easy, we’ve carried over a lot of feeling and uncertainty from 2020,’ Kolisi admitted this week in an interview with Red Bull.

‘The last game at Newlands was supposed to be a big, special game and we were supposed to deliver. We obviously wanted to achieve so much more.

‘It’s been tough, but now I’m looking to start fresh. It’s a whole new year. It has to start first in your mind, and you’ve got to tell yourself, “Whatever has gone in the past, it is gone, it is done. I’m focusing on something new”, and find other ways of getting yourself up.’