Springboks Siya Kolisi will join Top 14 side Racing 92 after this year's Rugby World Cup in France, officials said on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old loose forward has been released early from his contract with the Durban-based Sharks, and will link up with his French club following the defence of South Africa's World Cup title from the Sept. 8 to Oct. 28.
The Sharks said the move was part of a broader long-term collaboration between the two clubs, which will involve quarterly meetings of owners, and an exchange of ideas about player sharing and coaching.
"I am immensely appreciative that the Sharks have given me their blessing to make this move, and it goes without saying that I will continue to give my all for the team over the next few months," Kolisi said in a statement.
"It has been an incredible collaborative effort between the Sharks and Racing 92 that has enabled me to start a new chapter in my career after the 2023 World Cup.
"I want to give a massive thanks to the Sharks for welcoming me with open arms in 2021, and for making me feel so at home in Durban, while their support over the last couple of years has been hugely influential during a key period in my career."
Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti added: "The signing of Siya Kolisi reinforces the ambitions of Racing 92 and will offer our supporters a high-level show at Paris La Defense Arena.
"His deep culture of victory and his natural leadership make him a very great player who doubles as a deeply humanist man. He will bring additional positive energy to Racing 92."
