Kolisi has knee surgery in Cape Town — report

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is believed to have undergone knee surgery in Cape Town on Friday.

This is according to a report on IOL, which also said Kolisi’s wife, Rachel, had confirmed in a tweet that Siya had undergone surgery on Friday.

SA Rugby have not confirmed anything, and neither have the Sharks.

Kolisi injured his knee during last Saturday’s URC match against Munster in Durban.

Kolisi was expected to receive his National Order of Ikhamanga in Cape Town on Friday, but IOL reported that Rachel had said, “he is in hospital for surgery on his knee” and thus could not attend the function.

With no news coming from SA Rugby, it is not known for how long Kolisi will be sidelined or what the actual nature of the injury is.

Kolisi led the Boks to the World Cup title in Japan four years ago, after also recovering late from an injury.
There are several other captaincy candidates should Kolisi not recover in time, among them Duane Vermeulen, Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am.

Last Saturday’s match at Kings Park in Durban was Kolisi’s last at home before he is to take up a new role with Racing 92 next season.

The flanker apparently spent the bulk of this last week seeking expert opinion on the injury.

According to earlier reports, Kolisi had partially torn his anterior cruciate ligaments in the knee.

SA Rugby congratulates Kolisi

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander congratulated Kolisi for being honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport.

Kolisi was honoured for the gold award along with Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis (for her excellent contribution to football), Mono Arthur Sipho Badela (for his role in the field of journalism), Bokwe James Mafuna (for his influence in journalism and political activism), and Solomon Popoli Linda (for his contribution in the field of arts as a musician and composer).

“As an organisation, we are very proud of our captain and his achievements in rugby,” said Alexander.

“Siya is a beacon of hope for thousands of young boys and girls in our country, and he is living proof that it is about choice, not chance that determines your destiny. He is a true ambassador for rugby, and he epitomises the values we stand for as SA Rugby and the Springboks.”

Kolisi was elated about receiving the award and said: “This is a huge honour and looking at the caliber of the other individuals who received this award as well, makes it even more special.

“While I am immensely proud, I have to thank my team-mates and the Springbok coaching team for their role in the team’s success in the last few years, because without them, this would not have been possible.”