‘Siya’s not fat, not transparent’: Rassie Erasmus claps back at Racing 92 boss
In true Rassie Erasmus fashion...
Rassie Erasmus is confirmed as the Springbok head coach. Picture: @Springboks/X.
It was very unlikely that Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti was going to get away with publicly bashing Siya Kolisi without any backlash.
ALSO READ: French rugby boss slams Siya Kolisi: ‘Not the player we expected. He’s gained weight’
Aside from Mzansi coming to Kolisi’s defence, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus took a jab at the Frenchman’s remarks.
Following Kolisi’s stint at the French rugby club, Lorenzetti told local media that his debut season was hampered by injury and poor performance.
These were just some of his remarks…
“He didn’t bring anything, we must be clear. It was not the impact player we expected.”
“He gained weight, lost shape and yesterday [against Bordeaux] he was transparent.”
Erasmus was definitely not going to take that lying down.
During a press briefing about the team’s upcoming game against Ireland in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, he confirmed that Kolisi would retain his captaincy.
“Siya will be captain, Siya will play six flank, Siya is fit and has no injury.”
He went on to cheekily add, “Siya is NOT FAT and Siya is NOT transparent”.
ALSO READ: Kolisi to captain Springboks against Ireland - Erasmus
A video clip from the briefing went viral.
🗣️ Rassie Erasmus: "Siya Kolisi will be captain, Siya will be 6 flank... and Siya is NOT fat and NOT transparent" #Springboks #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/N08ISSCZxN
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 26, 2024
Mzansi applauded Erasmus for consistently backing up his players.
That’s why guys will run through a brick wall for Rassie! Backs his man through and through!
— Captain Springbok 🤜🤛 (@CaptSpringbok) June 26, 2024
One thing about Rassie is he will always stand on business for his players 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— Mpemvu (@EmmBee327) June 26, 2024
Siya Kolisi will leave Racing 92 before that contract ends😂💀
— Lloyd (@Lloydbhudda) June 26, 2024
Rassie is taking shots at Jacky Lorenzetti..
I know he causes a stir sometimes unnecessarily but rugby is so much better for having Rassie isn't it. Great character.
— Karl Cleere 🇮🇪🇺🇦 (@karlcleere) June 27, 2024