VIDEO: Etzebeth on why Kolisi 'should be in South Africa'
REACTION: Springbok superstar Eben Etzebeth could not contain his excitement when he was asked for his view on Siya Kolisi's return to Durban.
The Springbok captain has rejoined the Sharks after prematurely ending his contract with French Top 14 outfit Racing 92, the Durban franchise announced on Monday.
The 33-year-old double World Cup-winning flank made only 18 appearances for Racing due to injuries in the first season of a planned three-year contract.
His family reportedly struggled to settle in Paris.
However, it means Etzebeth will have his best friend back in the Shark Tank.
The story continues below...
"It is amazing. In my career, it's one of the best things I've heard in a long time off the field," said Etzebeth at a media event in Cape Town.
"We're very close and before he left, I told him, 'I hope you are only there for a year. I know you signed for longer, but I hope you come back earlier'.
"When he was at the Sharks, after every game we got together with our families, and we had a braai.
"It is just special to have him back."
The story continues below...
Etzebeth made it clear why Kolisi should be in his home country.
"He means so much for South Africa," said the towering lock. "He embodies what we want to be in terms of what he does in his off time for kids and people in need.
"He should be in South Africa and he should be here helping with that. It is great to have him back.
"I just hope the whole of South Africa appreciates what it means to have him back."
Kolisi's work on the field also doesn't go unnoticed by his teammates.
"He is an unbelievable player and warrior," Etzebeth added.
"I think some people don’t see the donkey work he does and what he means for the team."
@rugby365com
[rp-comp-table data="eyJjb21wIjoiMjE0IiwiZ3JvdXBzIjpbXSwic3RhbmRpbmdzIjpbeyJyIjoxLCJ0IjoxOCwiaSI6OTAwLCJwIjo0LCJ3Ijo0LCJsIjowLCJkIjowLCJnIjoiU291dGggQWZyaWNhIn0seyJyIjoyLCJ0IjoxMCwiaSI6ODAwLCJwIjo0LCJ3IjoyLCJsIjoyLCJkIjowLCJnIjoiQXJnZW50aW5hIn0seyJyIjozLCJ0Ijo3LCJpIjo4NTAsInAiOjQsInciOjEsImwiOjMsImQiOjAsImciOiJOZXcgWmVhbGFuZCJ9LHsiciI6NCwidCI6NCwiaSI6MTAwLCJwIjo0LCJ3IjoxLCJsIjozLCJkIjowLCJnIjoiQXVzdHJhbGlhIn1dLCJpc0NvbmZlcmVuY2UiOjB9"][/rp-comp-table]