SA Rugby Denies Siya Kolisi Buyout Reports

SA Rugby has denied reports that it plans to buy out Springboks captain Siya Kolisi from his contract with French club Racing 92. Speculation arose after RugbyPass claimed Kolisi wanted to leave after just one year of his three-year deal. SA Rugby clarified that there is no truth to the rumors and that it is not involved in any discussions regarding a buyout. Kolisi is currently with the Springboks preparing for the Rugby Championship opener against Australia, but he is expected to miss the first four rounds of the new Top 14 season with Racing. Racing's owner had previously criticized Kolisi's performance, calling him 'invisible' after a playoff loss. Should Kolisi return to South Africa, it could enhance the Springboks' squad, as the national governing body prefers local-based players for its captaincy.