Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi returning to URC with Sharks

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has confirmed he has ended his association with French club Racing 92 to rejoin the Sharks in Durban, ending months of speculation over his future at club level.

He said he had negotiated an exit from a three-year contract after a single season and 18 appearances (one try) for Racing, having struggled with injury and form.

"We reached an agreement with the club. I am grateful for the way they handled the situation," he told French daily L'Equipe on Sunday.

"When I arrived in Paris, I didn’t know what the future of my international career was but when I started playing for the national team again (in June), I realised that my body has no rest.

"And above all, if I play for South Africa, I miss three months of the Top 14 season. I am very well paid and it makes me feel like I am stealing from Racing.

"So, for me, my physical health and the club, I want to do what is right, I don't want to only invest half of myself.

"When they recruited me, they thought they had a full-time Siya Kolisi. But I love playing for South Africa so much, I want to continue with the Springboks."

The 33-year-old Kolisi, who scored a try for South Africa as they beat New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town on Saturday, will now be heading back to Sharks, who play in the United Rugby Championship with the four Irish provinces.

"It was the last club I was at before coming to Racing, and all my friends and family are there."