Fickou to 'respect' Kolisi's Racing 92 departure decision

English Woman's Journal - Fickou to 'respect' Kolisi's Racing 92 departure decision

SPORTS 02.09.2024

Fickou to 'respect' Kolisi's Racing 92 departure decision / Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE - AFP/File

Racing 92 centre Gael Fickou said on Monday he will "respect" Siya Kolisi's choice if the South Africa captain decides to leave the French club after just one year of a three-year deal.

Change text size:

Double World Cup winner Kolisi, 33, has been linked with a move back to the Sharks in Durban.

According to website RugbyPass, an American businessman has offered to pay for Kolisi's transfer with the flanker's family homesick in the French capital.

"His choice will be the right one for him," France centre Fickou told AFP.

"If he feels like his family are not well settled in France and that he needs to be down there, then I understand it and we will respect that.

Kolisi's arrival after last year's World Cup was heralded as a major factor in turning Racing from glamourous also-rans, whose roster of former players includes the likes of Dan Carter, Jonny Sexton and Finn Russell, into genuine title contenders.

Fickou says that Kolisi's departure will not affect the team's preparations for the new Top 14 season which begins this weekend with new star signing Owen Farrell expcted to make his debut at Castres.

"No one is indispensable at Racing," said Fickou. "We'll find other solutions."

Kolisi suffered a facial injury in the Springboks' Rugby Championship win over New Zealand last weekend and is a doubt for this Saturday's re-match.

Kolisi is only expected back with the club in late-September after the end of the Rugby Championship.

R.Wilson--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Fickou to 'respect' Kolisi's Racing 92 departure decision