Springbok captain Siya Kolisi described the Sharks' failure to qualify for the 2026 United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs as a result that "hurts," admitting the star-studded squad "should be doing better".
Despite featuring numerous internationals, the Durban-based side missed out on the top-eight knockout spots after a poor campaign that also saw them exit the Champions Cup in the pool stage and the Challenge Cup in the last 16.
“We are really disappointed that we didn’t make the top eight, especially with the group that we have here.”
“We’ve got a big challenge this week with Benetton. They are also a great team and have beaten some big sides this season. So, we want to finish our year strongly, and hopefully the guys can build going forward from these last two games.”
He expressed deep regret for the supporters, noting that while fans stayed loyal, the team "couldn't deliver for them and for the club itself".
“We definitely should have qualified and have no excuses for missing out. However, we want to make sure that we finish the season strongly. It still hurts us, you know, with the way the fans have supported us so much, and we couldn’t deliver for them or for the club itself. We should be doing better than we did this season.”
Kolisi said it will be difficult to say goodbye to a special place. Kolisi will return to the DHL Stormers at the end of the current season to be closer to his family in Cape Town.
“Saying goodbye to the boys will be difficult. It’s been a special place.”
“Thank you so much to the people of KZN who have welcomed my family and me. My kids love coming here; they really enjoy supporting the team. They love the team, but they also love the city itself and the people here. Thank you for welcoming us and making us feel part of the family.”
“We’ll definitely come back as much as we can, and we’ll always support the boys from afar. I’m grateful to the people here, and I’m grateful to the Sharks for everything they’ve done for me, for supporting me in everything and understanding how important family is. Not just saying it, but helping me get closer to my kids.”