Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel Kolisi pose for a photo with their family after South Africa won the Rugby World Cup final in Paris in 2023. Image: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFPSouth Africans were stunned after news emerged that one of the country’s most prominent couples, Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, were divorcing.
The SouthAfrican reports that the celebrity couple, who were a symbol of the “rainbow nation” made a joint announcement on Instagram.
“After much reflection and open conversations, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us,” said the statement.
Kolisi, 33, holds superstar status at home and around the rugby world as the first black man to lead the Springboks, captaining them to two Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 as well as this year’s Rugby Championship.
After last year’s World Cup final in Paris, he stayed in France to play for Racing 92, but cut short his contract last month to return to Durban-based Sharks.
“My family have missed South Africa and it is time to come home,” he said at the time.
His marriage to Rachel Smith in 2016 captivated South Africa, a country where racial tensions are still rife three decades after the end of apartheid.
Their split has grabbed the headlines, with national outlets writing: “Siya and Rachel: The fairytale that wasn’t to be” and “Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s divorce leaves Mzansi heartbroken”.
Rachel met Siya at a dinner party in Stellenbosch, Western Cape back in 2012. The pair then became friends and later started dating. Siya and Rachel tied the knot at MolenVliet Wine estate, near Stellenbosch in 2016.
The SouthAfrican
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