Siya Kolisi has revealed that Dan Carter was part of the reason why he joined Racing 92, where the “legend” Springbok captain’s arrival is eagerly awaited.

On Tuesday, Racing and the Sharks announced Kolisi’s arrival after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The 31-year-old, who joined the Sharks in 2021, has been granted an early release from his contract.

Although he would not have been short on offers from Europe and Japan, Kolisi told French newspaper L’Equipe that there were only two countries he would leave South Africa to further his career.

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“I had always said to myself, since I was young, that if I had to leave [South Africa] one day, it would be for France or Japan,” he said.

He added that his family played a role in his final decision, and being able to spend more time with them, meant France was the best choice.

“At my age and at this time of my life, I also have to make decisions for my family. What was important was also to be able to be with my family on a daily basis, because in the Top 14, there are not that many trips. Over a season, you are far away from home, about 16 days, which is not too much.”

“I only had discussions with Racing. Toulon is a great club, but I already knew where I wanted to go, and I wasn’t interested in talking with other teams,” he said. “I saw how much Racing wanted me, and that was all I needed.”

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While Kolisi was set on joining Racing, he did do his homework and sought the advice of All Blacks great Carter before finalising the deal.

“He’s part of the reasons why I came to Racing,” Kolisi explained. “I talked to him a lot about it, I called to ask him questions and he only had good things to say about the club.”

“He warned me that there were a lot of distractions for the players, but that you have to make sure you stay focused on rugby.”

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Meanwhile, his future teammates at the French club hailed the coming of South Africa’s 2019 World Cup-winning captain.

“For the club, it’s a good thing to have signed the captain of the South African world champions,” Racing’s France lock Wenceslas Lauret told a press conference on Friday.

“He’s a very great figure in his country but also as a player who will bring his experience.”

Fullback Max Spring hailed the arrival of “a leader” in Kolisi: “He’s already a legend of rugby even though he’s still playing, because of the values he transmits to the national team.

“We can’t wait to see him arrive, he’s a great player for whom I have a lot of respect.

“I heard he was a good guy, so already it’s cool for group life. And then he will bring us combativeness and leadership, it’s great news for the club.”

“Siya will bring a lot to the club, on and off the pitch, he knows how to win titles and he will take Racing to the top,” added attack and backs coach Rory Teague.

© Agence France-Presse