Rugby Union News: Racing 92 President Slams “Wasted Season,” Criticizes Siya Kolisi
Paris, France – In a scathing assessment, Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti has described his club’s 2023-24 season as a “waste” while also voicing his disappointment with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi’s performances.
The Parisian club’s Top 14 campaign came to an end this weekend, as they suffered a 31-17 defeat to Bordeaux in the Barrage play-off match. Despite having a star-studded lineup, Lorenzetti acknowledged that his side failed to live up to expectations, stating, “> We must be able to do better, right? We must not invoke misfortune, weather or spirits. We only have ourselves to blame.”
Lorenzetti was particularly critical of Kolisi’s impact, comparing the South African captain to club legend Wenceslas Lauret. “Kolisi had a remarkable start to the season, where he was a unifier off the field,” he noted. “The injury layoff was harmful to him. He gained weight, lost shape and yesterday [against Bordeaux] he was transparent. For the moment, Siya is not making us forget Wenceslas.”
The Racing 92 president also expressed disappointment in Fijian powerhouse Josua Tuisova, who only featured in a handful of games due to a long-term injury sustained at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. “He didn’t bring anything, we must be clear. It was not the impact player we expected,” Lorenzetti said.
Despite the frustrating season, Lorenzetti remained optimistic about the club’s future, stating that he is eager to see what their new signings, including England’s Owen Farrell, will bring to the table next season. The Racing boss also confirmed that Farrell had undergone medical examinations last week, indicating his eagerness to get started with his new team.
As Racing 92 prepares for the 2024/25 season, Lorenzetti’s scathing review of the club’s performances and his criticism of Kolisi’s impact will undoubtedly fuel the team’s determination to bounce back and reclaim their position as one of the top contenders in the prestigious Top 14 league.
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