Wednesday, 13. March 2024 |
Rugby star Siya Kolisi talks to the Red Bulls Salzburg's team found new inspiration in the playoffs // Behind the ScenesOne day after the successful conclusion of the play-off quarter-final series, the Red Bulls met with one of the world's biggest stars on the rugby scene: Siya Kolisi is captain of the South African national team and a two-time world champion. Red Bulls impressed
Siya Kolisi and his family were already guests at the ice arena on Tuesday for the last quarter-final match against the Black Wings Linz and watched the action on the ice with interest, as ice hockey, like rugby, is a largely physically dominated team sport. During the interview in the first period break, the rugby pro was very impressed: "There are many similarities, but the ice hockey players are even tougher than us. They move so fast and fight each other. It's really exciting and I have the greatest respect for it. I'm delighted that I was able to be here."
As part of his stay in Salzburg - the Red Bull athlete was also invited to a Red Bull Athlete Talk at the Red Bull Base in Elsbethen - he took the time to meet the Red Bulls team in the dressing room on Wednesday and give the boys new inspiration with his comments.
From the township to the world championship title
His life story resembles a Hollywood movie: born and raised in poor circumstances in a suburb of Port Elizabeth, he became acquainted with drugs, alcohol and crime at an early age and only found the right path through sport. Many years later, the now 32-year-old became the first black captain to win the World Cup with South Africa (2019) and also defended his title at the 2023 World Cup. Kolisi currently plays for French club Racing 92 in Paris.
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Players and coaches impressed by Siya's performance
In addition to the competitive sport that unites everyone, it was above all the South African's honest and warm-hearted manner and his unique life story that impressed everyone. Rugby fan and assistant coach Ben Cooper, whose father is also from South Africa, got to the heart of the matter:
"I have long followed the career and journey of Siya Kolisi and the South Africa Springboks rugby team and to bring together EC Red Bull Salzburg with Siya was both a very proud moment but I believe deeply impactful for our team. Siya has a very unique and interesting story to his journey and rise to success and to hear him share this story with our team was very beneficial. Siya represents all the qualities we look to strive for as a person and athlete in terms of achieving much success in his sport but also doing so displaying the highest levels of respect and humility. I believe our players loved learning about his story and really enjoyed and benefited from this experience. Thanks to Red Bull for making this happen."
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Red Bulls with first match puck for the semi-finals after 3:2 victory in Linz// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Red Bulls celebrate another clear home win against Linz in the quarterfinals// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Semifinal! Red Bulls again with clear 5:1 home win against Linz // WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Red Bulls with first match puck for the semi-finals after 3:2 victory in Linz// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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Red Bulls celebrate another clear home win against Linz in the quarterfinals// WIN2DAY ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE
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