"Unusual injury" - Siya Kolisi stood down with immediate effect

Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 09:53

bySteven Smith

It was meant to be a milestone moment for Siya Kolisi, but instead the Sharks captain has been sidelined at the last minute due to a concerning and somewhat unclear injury issue.

⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!

Kolisi had been in line to make his 50th appearance for the Sharks over the weekend, only to be withdrawn shortly before kick-off. Despite his absence, the Durban outfit still powered to an impressive victory over Munster.

It has now emerged that the Springbok skipper is dealing with a calf problem, one that has already ruled him out of this Friday’s clash against Cardiff Rugby.

However, what makes the situation unusual is the lack of clarity around the injury itself.

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

Head coach JP Pietersen admitted that Kolisi’s condition appears to fluctuate, making it difficult to properly diagnose or predict a recovery timeline.

“He’s struggling with his calf. He won’t be available next week, and we’ll have to assess things as we go,” Pietersen said. “Some days he feels fine, other days not so much. It’s not entirely clear what the issue is, so we’ll monitor it week by week.”

For the Sharks, it’s a frustrating interruption just as they begin to build rhythm, while Kolisi faces an uncertain short-term future as he waits for answers — and a return to the field.

? Five Interesting Facts About Siya Kolisi

Trailblazing Captain – Siya Kolisi made history in 2018 as the first black player to captain the Springboks.
World Cup Leader – He led South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023.
From Zwide to the World – Kolisi grew up in Zwide township and rose through the ranks against the odds.
Sharks Leader – He returned to South Africa to join the Sharks, bringing leadership and experience to the squad.
Giving Back – Through the Kolisi Foundation, he focuses on education, food security, and equality initiatives in South Africa.