Stormers head coach John Dobson has wished departing captain Siya Kolisi well ahead of his confirmed move to the Sharks.
As reported on SARugbymag.co.za as far back as 8 January, Kolisi is set to make the switch from Cape Town to Durban after an 11-year journey, spanning his entire professional rugby career to date.
CONFIRMED: Kolisi to leave Stormers for Sharks
WP Rugby sent out a statement confirming the 29-year-old’s departure.
Kolisi made a try-scoring debut for the Stormers in the opening game of the 2012 campaign, coming on as an injury replacement for Schalk Burger.
He ends his time at Western Province Rugby as the second-most capped Stormers player, with the legendary Burger (123) the only player to have topped his 118 Vodacom Super Rugby caps for the franchise.
Dobson thanked the Springbok captain for his significant contributions over the years.
‘Siya Kolisi will always be a Stormers legend, his story is well-known throughout the world and everyone here is grateful to have played a role in that,’ Dobson said. ‘We would have loved for him to stay and finish his career where it started, but we wish him all the best.
‘We have always done our best to retain the world-class talent we have at the union before looking elsewhere and we are looking forward to announcing some significant contract extensions with some of our experienced players in the near future,’ he said.
Kolisi said that he will always cherish the memories of his time with Western Province Rugby.
‘I would like to thank everyone at Western Province Rugby for what has been an incredible time in my life in which I have grown as a rugby player and a person.
‘All of the coaches, management and teammates who had such a big influence on me over the last 11 years and especially the Stormers Faithful and people of Cape Town and beyond who made my time with the union so special. It has been a privilege to experience their support,’ he said.
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