South Africa’s two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi watched from the stands as his new club Racing 92 beat local rivals Stade Francais 13-9 on Saturday to move to the summit of the French Top 14.
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Kolisi, 32, joined the side after lifting a second Webb Ellis Cup late last month and will make his debut for the Parisians next Sunday against La Rochelle.
The iconic Springbok followed the game alongside Chelsea captain Reece James, as the footballer benefitted from his free time during the international break to take in the match.
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The pair are represented by the same agency, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Racing’s victory in rainy conditions moved them above Stade Francais to top of the table based on their head-to-head record.
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“I’ve been involved in many big derbies internationally with England-Wales, England-France, or club level with Leinster-Munster, and it’s right up there the feeling in the changing room,” said Racing coach Stuart Lancaster.
“It wasn’t perfect, but I felt all the big players stood up and played and we deserved it in the end,” the former England and Leinster boss added.
Siya Kolisi’s new outfit led 10-6 at the break thanks to centre Henry Chavancy’s try and four points from the boot of South African flyhalf Tristan Tedder.
Stade Francais flyhalf Joris Segonds made it a one-point game just after the interval with his third penalty of the match.
Racing, champions in 2016, held on for victory, an eighth straight at their rivals’ Stade Jean-Bouin, as promising French scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec kicked a 54th-minute penalty.
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse