Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi is a professional South African rugby union player and the celebrated captain of the South Africa national team. He made history in 2018 as the first black captain of the Springboks and led the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023. Beyond his sporting achievements, Siya is recognized for his inspiring journey from poverty to becoming one of rugby’s most influential figures and a symbol of hope for South Africa.
Siya Kolisi Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Siyamthanda Kolisi |
| Nickname | Siya |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 16 June 1991 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of November 2025) |
| Place of birth | Zwide, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Current residence | Durban, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black African (Xhosa) |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (189 cm) |
| Weight | 227 lbs (103 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark Brown |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Ex-spouse | Rachel Kolisi (née Smith) |
| Children | 4 (Nicholas Siyamthanda, Keziah, Liphelo, Liyema) |
| Alma mater | Grey High School, Port Elizabeth |
| Profession | Professional rugby union player, Captain of South Africa national team |
| Position | Flanker/Loose forward |
| Current club | Sharks (URC) |
| Net worth | $6-8 million (estimated) |
Who is Siya Kolisi?
Siya Kolisi is a South African rugby union captain who became a global sports icon after making history as the first black player to captain the Springboks in their 133-year history. He currently plays as a flanker for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and continues to lead the South African national team. Kolisi’s remarkable journey from the impoverished Zwide township to international rugby stardom has inspired millions across South Africa and around the world.
In 2019, he led the Springboks to their third Rugby World Cup title, defeating England in the final. Four years later, in 2023, he repeated this extraordinary feat by captaining South Africa to victory against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final in France. This achievement made him only the second captain in history, alongside New Zealand’s Richie McCaw, to win back-to-back World Cups.
How old is Siya Kolisi? Age and birthday
Siya Kolisi is 33 years old as of November 2025. He was born on 16 June 1991 in Zwide township, Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. His zodiac sign is Gemini. Kolisi was born exactly 15 years after the Soweto riots and 16 months after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, during a pivotal period in South African history.
Siya Kolisi’s early life and family background
Siya Kolisi grew up in extreme poverty in the Zwide township of Port Elizabeth. His mother, Phakama, was only 16 years old when she gave birth to him, and his father, Fezakele, was still in his final year of school. Due to their young age and difficult circumstances, Siya was primarily raised by his paternal grandmother, Nolulamile, in a cramped two-bedroom house.
His childhood was marked by severe hardship. Kolisi has openly shared that hunger was a constant companion during his early years. He often played with bricks because his family could not afford toys. Violence and poverty were prevalent in his community, and basic necessities were frequently unavailable.
Tragedy struck when Siya was just 15 years old. His mother passed away in 2009, and his grandmother died shortly afterward. These devastating losses left young Siya without his primary caregivers during his teenage years. His two younger half-siblings, Liphelo and Liyema, were left orphaned and placed in foster care.
What is Siya Kolisi’s net worth and salary?
As of 2025, Siya Kolisi’s net worth is estimated at between $6 million and $8 million. His wealth has been accumulated through professional rugby contracts, sponsorship deals, and various business ventures. Kolisi earns an estimated annual salary of approximately $1 million from his rugby contracts and endorsements.
Income sources
Kolisi’s income comes from multiple streams. His primary earnings come from his club contract with the Sharks, where he plays in the United Rugby Championship. He also receives compensation for representing South Africa in international competitions. Beyond his playing salary, Siya has lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands including Adidas, Red Bull, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, FNB, Lenovo, Nike, and MTN.
Following his divorce from Rachel Kolisi in October 2024, reports indicated that Rachel received approximately R17.5 million (around $1 million) in the settlement. This figure represented half of Kolisi’s estimated net worth at the time, as the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement.
Siya Kolisi’s education
Siya Kolisi’s life changed dramatically at age 12 when he attended an under-12 rugby tournament in Mossel Bay. His exceptional talent caught the attention of scouts from Grey Junior School, one of South Africa’s most prestigious educational institutions in Port Elizabeth. He was offered a rugby scholarship through the Vincent Mai Bursary Scheme, which provided opportunities for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This scholarship was life-changing for young Siya. He transitioned from the Emsengeni Primary School in Zwide township to Grey Junior School and later to Grey High School. The school, established in 1856 and named after Sir George Edward Grey, a former Cape Colony Governor, had a rich rugby tradition. Former students include England international Mike Catt and South African cricketer Graeme Pollock.
At Grey High School, Kolisi excelled in rugby and played for the first XV team. The education and opportunities he received there laid the foundation for his professional rugby career. Years later, Siya has maintained his gratitude to benefactor Vincent Mai, publicly thanking him for providing the scholarship that changed his life trajectory.
Siya Kolisi’s rugby career
Early professional career
Siya Kolisi began his professional rugby career with the Stormers in Super Rugby in 2013. He made his debut for the Cape Town-based franchise and quickly established himself as a dynamic and hardworking flanker. His aggressive playing style, combined with exceptional leadership qualities, made him a standout player.
International debut and rise
Kolisi made his Springbok debut on 15 June 2013 against Scotland at Mbombela Stadium. His performance in domestic and international rugby continued to improve, and he became known for his work rate, defensive abilities, and ball-carrying skills.
Historic captaincy appointment
In 2018, Siya Kolisi was appointed captain of the South African national rugby team by head coach Rassie Erasmus. This appointment made him the first black player to captain the Springboks in their 133-year history. The significance of this moment extended far beyond sport, representing a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing journey toward racial reconciliation and transformation.
2019 Rugby World Cup triumph
Under Kolisi’s captaincy, the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. South Africa defeated England 32-12 in the final on 2 November 2019 in Yokohama. The victory was South Africa’s third World Cup title and was celebrated as a unifying moment for the nation. Kolisi’s emotional post-match interviews, where he dedicated the victory to all South Africans and spoke about representing hope for people facing hardship, resonated worldwide.
2023 Rugby World Cup victory
In 2023, Siya Kolisi led the Springboks to their fourth Rugby World Cup title in France. South Africa defeated New Zealand 12-11 in a thrilling final on 28 October 2023. This victory made Kolisi only the second captain in rugby history to win back-to-back World Cups, matching New Zealand’s Richie McCaw. The achievement cemented his legacy as one of rugby’s greatest captains.
Club career
Between 2021 and 2023, Kolisi played for the Sharks in Durban. In 2023, he signed a three-year contract with French Top 14 club Racing 92. However, after just one season in France, during which he made 18 appearances, Racing 92 and Kolisi mutually agreed to terminate his contract in September 2024. American businessman Vincent Mai, who had originally funded Kolisi’s school scholarship, paid a reported R17 million transfer fee to facilitate Siya’s return to the Sharks.
As of 2025, Kolisi continues to captain the Springboks and plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
Career achievements and records
Throughout his career, Siya Kolisi has accumulated numerous achievements. He has earned over 100 Test caps for South Africa and has led the Springboks to multiple major tournament victories, including two Rugby World Cups (2019, 2023), three Rugby Championship titles (2019, 2024, 2025), and victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021. In 2024, he captained the team to the most trophies won in a single year by any Springbok captain, including the Qatar Airways Cup, Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, Rugby Championship, and Prince William Cup.
Is Siya Kolisi married? Wife, divorce, and dating history
Marriage to Rachel Kolisi
Siya Kolisi married Rachel Smith in 2016. The couple first met at a dinner party in Stellenbosch in 2012, and after several months of friendship, they began dating. Rachel, born in Grahamstown (now Makhanda) and raised in the Eastern Cape, attended Victoria Girls’ High School. She worked as an event manager before becoming a full-time mother and businesswoman.
The Kolisis became one of South Africa’s most admired power couples. Together, they co-founded the Kolisi Foundation in March 2020, a charitable organization focused on addressing inequality, gender-based violence, food security, and youth development in South African communities.
Children
Siya and Rachel have two biological children together. Their son, Nicholas Siyamthanda Kolisi, was born in 2015. Their daughter, Keziah Kolisi, was born in 2017.
In 2014, when their son Nicholas was just three months old, Siya and Rachel made the compassionate decision to adopt Siya’s two younger half-siblings, Liphelo and Liyema. The children had been living in foster care in Zwide township after their mother’s death in 2009. The 18-month adoption process was completed in 2014, and the family of six lived together as one unit.
Divorce announcement
On 22 October 2024, Siya and Rachel Kolisi jointly announced their decision to divorce after eight years of marriage. The couple released a statement on Instagram describing their separation as a mutual decision grounded in love, respect, and understanding. They emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their four children and continuing their work together at the Kolisi Foundation.
The divorce settlement reportedly resulted in Rachel receiving approximately R17.5 million, representing half of Siya’s estimated R35 million net worth. Without a prenuptial agreement in place, South African law entitled Rachel to an equal share of their marital assets. Rachel continues to use the Kolisi surname and remains actively involved with the foundation.
Current relationship status
As of November 2025, Siya Kolisi is divorced and has not publicly confirmed any new romantic relationship. He remains focused on his rugby career, his children, and his charitable work through the Kolisi Foundation.
Siya Kolisi’s height and weight
Siya Kolisi stands 6 feet 2 inches tall (189 cm) and weighs approximately 227 pounds (103 kg). His physical attributes are well-suited to his position as a flanker in rugby union. His height gives him an advantage in lineouts and aerial contests, while his weight provides the necessary power and strength for the physical demands of the back-row position.
Kolisi’s athleticism, combined with his physical measurements, allows him to excel in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. His fitness and conditioning have been maintained at elite levels throughout his professional career.
The Kolisi Foundation: Philanthropic work
In March 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Siya and Rachel Kolisi co-founded the Kolisi Foundation. The organization was established with a vision to change narratives of inequality in South Africa by addressing systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.
The foundation focuses on four main pillars: creating safe spaces through sport and education, addressing gender-based violence, contributing to food security, and promoting youth development. The organization partners with existing community organizations and NGOs to mobilize resources and strengthen infrastructure.
Key initiatives include funding a 24-hour trauma support line through the Community Intervention Centre, supporting the Justice Desk’s intervention programs, providing educational resources, and distributing food to communities facing food insecurity. The foundation operates as a registered Public Benefit Organisation and can issue Section 18A tax certificates for donations.
Despite their divorce, both Siya and Rachel remain committed to the foundation’s work and continue to co-lead the organization’s efforts to create positive change in South African communities.
Awards and recognition
Siya Kolisi has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2019, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold (OIG) by the South African government for his excellent achievement in rugby and his contribution to nation-building and social cohesion.
International recognition includes being named Rugby Union Writers’ Club Personality of the Year in 2020, winning the World Peace and Sport Champion award in 2019, and being nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards. In 2024, Kolisi was named to TIME Magazine’s TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world. He has also been recognized as one of the most influential people in rugby and voted best rugby captain of all time in various polls.
Fast facts about Siya Kolisi
- Historic captain: Siya Kolisi is the first black player to captain the South African national rugby team in its 133-year history.
- Back-to-back World Cup winner: He is only the second captain in rugby history to win consecutive Rugby World Cups, matching New Zealand’s Richie McCaw.
- Scholarship recipient: A rugby scholarship from the Vincent Mai Bursary Scheme at age 12 transformed his life and provided access to quality education at Grey High School.
- Adopted his siblings: Siya and Rachel adopted his two younger half-siblings, Liphelo and Liyema, after their mother passed away, providing them with a stable family home.
- Philanthropist: Co-founded the Kolisi Foundation in 2020 to address inequality, gender-based violence, and food insecurity in South African communities.
- Born into poverty: Grew up in the Zwide township where he experienced severe poverty, hunger, and violence during his childhood.
- Multiple club teams: Has played for the Stormers (2013-2020), Sharks (2021-2023, 2024-present), and Racing 92 in France (2023-2024).
- 100+ Test caps: Has represented South Africa in over 100 international matches, accumulating 70 career points for the Springboks.
- Brand ambassador: Has endorsement deals with major international brands including Adidas, Red Bull, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Nike.
- Author: Published his autobiography “Rise” in 2021, sharing his inspiring journey from poverty to rugby greatness.
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Wrapping up
Siya Kolisi’s journey from the impoverished streets of Zwide township to becoming one of rugby’s most celebrated captains embodies the power of resilience, determination, and opportunity. His historic achievements as the first black Springbok captain and back-to-back World Cup winner have transcended sport, making him a symbol of hope and unity in South Africa. Beyond the rugby field, his commitment to philanthropy through the Kolisi Foundation demonstrates his dedication to creating positive change. As of 2025, Kolisi continues to lead the Springboks and inspire millions while navigating his personal life following his divorce from Rachel Kolisi.
References
- Wikipedia. “Siya Kolisi.“
- The South African. “Siya Kolisi’s net worth plunges following divorce: Rachel wins big.“
- BBC News. “South Africa captain Siya Kolisi rejoins Sharks from Racing 92.“
- ROC NATION. “Siya Kolisi.“
- News24. “Kolisi pays tribute to man for life-altering bursary.“
- Kolisi Foundation. “About Us.“
- SA Rugby. “Siya Kolisi to retain Springbok captaincy.“
- The Guardian. “Siya Kolisi: ‘We represent something much bigger than we can imagine’.“
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