Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi is one of the most recognisable figures in South African sport. Born into poverty in Zwide, Gqeberha, Kolisi rose from playing rugby on a rough school field to becoming South Africa’s first Black Test captain and the first South African captain to lift the Rugby World Cup twice.

Early life

Siyamthanda Kolisi was born on 16 June 1991 in Zwide, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

He grew up in difficult circumstances in the township, where his family struggled financially. Rugby became an important part of his childhood and eventually provided him with an opportunity to change his life.

Kolisi attended Emsengeni Primary School, where his rugby talent began attracting attention. His performances at a youth tournament eventually earned him a scholarship to Grey High School in Gqeberha, one of South Africa’s established rugby schools.

The move to Grey was a major turning point.

Kolisi had come from a background where opportunities were limited. At Grey, he was exposed to a much stronger rugby programme and began developing into an elite young player.

He matriculated from Grey High School in 2009. In 2022, the school renamed its main rugby field Kolisi Field in his honour.

Junior rugby

Kolisi's performances at school level quickly brought him to the attention of provincial selectors.

He represented the Eastern Province Kings at junior level before joining Western Province.

He was selected for the Junior Springboks in 2010 and 2011, confirming his status as one of the country's most promising young forwards.

In 2011, aged just 19, Kolisi made his senior debut for Western Province.

That same year, he was involved with the Stormers setup, beginning a professional career that would eventually take him to the highest level of international rugby.

Stormers breakthrough

Kolisi became a regular member of the Stormers squad and established himself as a powerful loose forward.

His work rate, tackling, ball-carrying and physicality made him one of the standout young forwards in South African rugby.

He continued developing in Cape Town and eventually became a senior figure for both Western Province and the Stormers.

His performances finally earned him a Springbok call-up in 2013.

Springbok debut

Kolisi made his Springbok debut against Scotland on 15 June 2013 in Nelspruit.

He was only 21 years old.

His arrival marked the beginning of a remarkable international career.

Over the following years, Kolisi became one of South Africa's most reliable loose forwards. His aggressive defence and ability to carry the ball through contact became defining features of his game.

Becoming captain

In 2018, Kolisi was named Springbok captain.

The appointment was historic.

He became South Africa's first Black Test captain, taking over the leadership of one of the world's most famous rugby teams.

For a player who had grown up in poverty in Zwide, the moment represented an extraordinary journey.

Kolisi's appointment also carried significance beyond rugby. He became a symbol of the changing face of South African sport and an inspiration to young people across the country.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup

Kolisi's greatest achievement came at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

South Africa lost their opening match to New Zealand but recovered to progress through the tournament.

The Springboks defeated Japan in the quarter-finals and Wales in the semi-finals before facing England in the final.

On 2 November 2019, South Africa defeated England 32-12 in Yokohama.

Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup as captain.

The image of Kolisi holding the trophy above his head became one of the defining sporting images in South African history.

The victory also made him the first Black South African captain to lead the country to a Rugby World Cup title.

The British & Irish Lions

In 2021, Kolisi led the Springboks against the British & Irish Lions.

South Africa won the three-Test series 2-1, with Kolisi captaining the team throughout the historic contest.

His leadership during the series further strengthened his reputation as one of the world's leading rugby captains.

He was subsequently named SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2021.

Move to the Sharks

After years with Western Province and the Stormers, Kolisi joined the Sharks in 2021.

The move brought him back to his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where he became an important part of the Durban-based franchise.

He continued playing for the Springboks while also captaining the Sharks.

Move to France

In 2023, Kolisi made another major career move, joining French club Racing 92.

He played in France during the 2023/24 season before returning to South Africa and the Sharks in 2024.

His return to Durban allowed him to continue his club career in South Africa while remaining a central figure in the Springbok setup.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup

Kolisi entered the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France as captain and defending champion.

South Africa faced France in a dramatic quarter-final before defeating England in the semi-final.

The final against New Zealand was another classic.

The Springboks won 12-11 in Paris, securing their fourth Rugby World Cup title.

Kolisi became the captain of a team that had successfully defended its World Cup crown.

He had now lifted the Webb Ellis Cup twice.

That achievement placed him among an elite group of players to have won two Rugby World Cups.

A remarkable return from injury

The 2023 tournament was particularly remarkable because Kolisi had suffered a serious knee injury earlier that year.

He underwent surgery and raced to recover in time for the World Cup.

His return was initially viewed as uncertain, but he recovered sufficiently to lead South Africa in France.

His performances during the tournament added another chapter to his already remarkable career.

100 Test caps

Kolisi reached another major milestone when he earned his 100th Springbok Test cap, joining an exclusive group of South African internationals to reach the century mark.

SA Rugby describes him as only the ninth South African player to reach 100 Test caps.

His longevity has been particularly impressive considering the physical demands of international rugby.

2026 and the Springboks

Kolisi remains a Springbok in 2026 and continues to captain South Africa.

After missing the first three Tests of the 2026 season, he returned to the starting lineup in August for the Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

At 35, he remains an important member of the Springbok squad.

He also continues to play for the Sharks in South Africa. Recent 2026 reporting confirmed his return to matchday action following a calf injury and noted that he had reached his 50th appearance for the Sharks.

Life away from rugby

Kolisi's influence extends well beyond the rugby field.

Together with his former wife, Rachel Kolisi, he established the Kolisi Foundation in 2020.

The foundation works with communities affected by inequality, poverty, violence and other social challenges.

Kolisi has repeatedly spoken about using his position to create opportunities for people who come from backgrounds similar to his own.

His childhood in Zwide remains an important part of his identity, and he has frequently returned to the Eastern Cape and supported initiatives aimed at helping young people.

Personal life

Kolisi married Rachel Kolisi in 2016. They have children together and for many years were one of South Africa's best-known sporting couples.

In 2024, Siya and Rachel announced that they were ending their marriage.

Despite the change in their personal circumstances, they have continued to co-parent their children and remain involved in their respective charitable and community work.

Playing style

Kolisi plays primarily as a flanker/loose forward.

His game is built around:

• Powerful tackling
• Ball-carrying
• Defensive work
• Breakdown ability
• Leadership
• Physicality
• Work rate

While he is a physically imposing player, his leadership and ability to inspire teammates have arguably become his most important qualities.

Legacy

Siya Kolisi's career is about much more than rugby.

He grew up in Zwide, attended Emsengeni Primary School and later received an opportunity to attend Grey High School.

He went from an impoverished township childhood to professional rugby, then to the Springboks.

In 2018, he became the country's first Black Test captain.

A year later, he lifted the Rugby World Cup.

Four years after that, he did it again.

His story has made him one of the most influential sporting figures in South African history.

Siya Kolisi: Quick facts

• Full name: Siyamthanda Kolisi
• Born: 16 June 1991
• Birthplace: Zwide, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
• School: Emsengeni Primary School; Grey High School
• Position: Loose forward/flanker
• Professional debut: Western Province, 2011
• Springbok debut: 15 June 2013
• Springbok captain: Since 2018
• First Black Springbok Test captain: 2018
• Rugby World Cup titles: 2019 and 2023
• British & Irish Lions series: 2021
• 100th Springbok cap: Achieved during his international career
• Current club: Sharks
• Major individual honour: SA Rugby Player of the Year, 2021
• Foundation: Kolisi Foundation

From Zwide to the world

Siya Kolisi's journey is one of the most powerful stories in South African sport.

A boy from Zwide who once played rugby on a poorly equipped school field eventually became the man entrusted with leading the Springboks.

He didn't just win the Rugby World Cup once.

He lifted it twice.

And in doing so, Siya Kolisi became much more than a rugby captain — he became a symbol of what South Africa's next generation can achieve.