Springbok captain and Sharks star Siya Kolisi has been linked with a move to Japan Rugby League One.
According to a RugbyPass report, Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers are keen on securing the services of the two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok skipper.
Kolisi, who played his 100th Test for the Springboks in Paris last month, has reportedly been interested in making the move to Japan, and nearly joined Tokyo Sungoliaths after lifting the Rugby World Cup back in 2023.
The move to Sungoliaths failed to materialise, and he instead left the Sharks to join French club Racing 92 after being convinced by All Blacks legend Dan Carter. His stay in France was a brief one, and he was soon back in Durban after being criticised by Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti for being “invisible”.
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now
His move back to Durban was facilitated by American businessman Vincent Mai, who paid the R17m fee to break his Racing 92 contract.
Should Kolisi move to Japan, he will become the latest Springbok to follow that path. Currently, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx, Kwagga Smith, and Manie Libbok all play in the Land of the Rising Sun.
A potential switch to Japan would also offer Kolisi a fresh environment at a stage in his career where balance, longevity, and competitive rugby all matter. With Japanese clubs increasingly investing in top-tier international talent, the move could give the Bok captain the platform to extend his playing career while taking on a new cultural and rugby challenge.
And with so many South Africans already thriving in Japan, Kolisi would be joining a familiar – and very successful – wave of Springboks making their mark in the league.
IOL Sport
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now
