MMA fighter Dricus du Plessis has defended Springbok captain Siya Kolisi from fat-shaming comments at his French club Racing 92.
The rugby player has been accused of gaining weight and focusing on his “celebrity lifestyle.”
Siya signed a three-year deal with the club last year after leaving his Durban team, the Sharks.
The Bok captain has helped his national team win two consecutive Rugby World Cup titles.
DRICUS DU PLESSIS BACKS SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN
On the X app, MMA fighter Dricus du Plessis and Springbok fans clapped back at comments made by Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti about Siya Kolisi.
Speaking to the French publication Midi Olympique, the French club boss had harsh words to say about the Springbok captain. This includes comments the 33-year-old had gained weight, and was out of shape.
He said: “[Siya] had a remarkable start to the season, where he was a unifying presence off the field.
“The break [due to an injury] was harmful to him. He put on weight, lost form, and yesterday he was anonymous”.
Dricus tweeted: “Please shut up! The double champ does whatever the f**k he wants! He is one of the hardest workers in the world, and like it’s said, the man is injured, so you want him to sit and sulk. Let the man enjoy the fruits while he’s injured. He’s earned that!”
O please shut up! The double champ does whatever the fook he wants! He is one of the hardest workers in the world and like it’s said the man is injured so you want him to sit and sulk, let the man enjoy the fruits while he’s injured. He’s earned that! https://t.co/VhJf8Zhtzp
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) June 22, 2024
Dricus also fiercely defended Siya Kolisi from tweeps.
When one tweep warned Siya to “slim down” ahead of the Springboks’s test match against Ireland next month, Dricus responded: “Bro, the Irish couldn’t even beat our provincial team @BlueBullsRugby, and you think they can beat the Boks? Also, how many World Cups does the Irish have? We have four!”
Bro the Irish couldn’t even beat our provincial team @BlueBullsRugby and you think they can beat the Boks 🤣🤣 also how many world cups does the Irish have? We have 4 👌🏻
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) June 22, 2024
SIYA KOLISI GETS CHEERS AT TWICKENHAM
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi received a hero’s welcome in Twickenham when the Springboks beat Wales 52-16 on Saturday, 22 June.
In clips posted on social media, the Springbok was cheered by rugby fans who attended the match in the London stadium.
Like others, Siya was not permitted to play as the match takes place outside the international window for players abroad.
Everyone loves Siya Kolisi 🥺
Just listen to the roar from the fans at Twickenham when he was on the big screen at the stadium 🤩#RSAvWAL pic.twitter.com/CXGhACCm31
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 22, 2024