Fans and Racing 92 executives have criticized Springbok Siya Kolisi for his recent weight gain. He has also been charged with overindulging in his social life and spending too much time with celebrities. These criticisms come as Kolisi’s performance on the field has been affected, with some questioning his commitment to the team. It remains to be seen how he will respond to these concerns and whether he will make changes to improve his fitness and focus.
With injuries to his right ankle and hand, the South African has been receiving medical attention. Siya fully recovered in time for the Rugby World Cup after suffering a severe knee injury last year. His wife, Rachel, and their two kids, Nic and Keziah, currently reside in Paris with him. Owner Jacky Lorenzetti of Racing 92 spoke harshly about Springbok captain Siya Kolisi in an interview with the French magazine Midi Olympique. Included in this are remarks that the 33-year-old was overweight and unfit.
Lorenzetti also expressed concerns about Kolisi’s commitment to the team and whether he will make changes to improve his fitness and focus. The South African has been receiving medical attention for injuries to his right ankle and hand, but he amazingly made a full recovery in time for the Rugby World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury last year.
He said,
“[Siya] had a remarkable start to the season, where he was a unifying presence off the field.
“The break [due to an injury] was harmful to him. He put on weight, lost form, and yesterday he was anonymous”.
Many rugby fans agreed with the Racing 92 boss on the X app. Some people have said that French clubs were too strict in treating other Springboks, like Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe. According to an SA Rugby profile, Siya Kolisi is 1.9m tall and weighs 103 kg. However, a few months ago, a Rugby World Cup profile stated that the national team captain weighed 115.9 kg. According to Planet Rugby, the average weight of a Springbok player is also 115.9 kg. Siya will miss the Springboks’ test match against Wales on Saturday, 22 June, in Twickenham, as the game takes place outside the international window for players abroad.
@Mikarozo_7: “Since the Rugby World Cup final, I have seen Siya Kolisi more around celebrity events than on the rugby pitch… his club is even complaining about his weight and form. Rassie needs to step in”.
@yusuf_vaid: “Siya is too distracted. Too much social media, too many events, too much hooking up with celebrities. He needs to focus on his rugby and let on-the-field stuff do the talking until he retires.”
@mongezisomaza: “He’d rather hang around the Beckhams and be a Liverpool cheerleader. Siya is living gorgeous the socials.“
@M49Denise: “Too busy jetting around living the good life“.
@TheScri76057990: “It would appear he’s been enjoying the Parisian food too much.”
