Cape Town – Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has seemingly confirmed his new relationship status on Instagram, marking a significant development following his October divorce announcement from his wife of eight years, Rachel. The move has fuelled existing speculation surrounding the end of their high-profile marriage and sparked renewed debate on social media.
The couple, parents to two children, Nicholas (10) and Keziah (7), announced their separation last October, initially leaving room for speculation about a possible reconciliation. However, Siya’s recent New Year’s Day Instagram updates indicate a definitive shift.
He removed his profile picture featuring Rachel, along with the title “husband” from his bio. He also deleted Instagram highlights showcasing photos of the couple, replacing his profile picture with one of himself as Springboks captain and updating his bio to read simply “Father, Brother.”
Rachel, too, had previously removed the title “wife” from her Instagram bio and unliked Siya’s 2024 highlights in a TikTok video. While they still follow each other on social media, neither has liked or commented on each other’s posts since the separation.
Their first Christmas apart further underscored the finality of the split. Rachel spent the holiday with their children and Siya’s siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, at their Cape Town home. Meanwhile, Siya spent Christmas in Zimbabwe, participating in a coaching session with the Tag Rugby Trust Zimbabwe (TRTZ) in Victoria Falls.
TRTZ’s Facebook post detailed Siya’s visit: “Rugby legend Siya Kolisi brought the magic to Vic Falls with Tag Rugby Trust Zimbabwe. Barefoot and full of heart, he shared stories of grit, dreams, and played tag rugby with the incredible kids of Vic Falls. A day they’ll never forget.”
Siya’s trip to Zimbabwe, however, wasn’t his only activity during the holiday period. He also volunteered at The Saartjie Baartman Centre in Cape Town, a centre for women and children who are victims of abuse. This act of service adds another layer to the narrative surrounding his personal life.
The Kolisi’s love story began in 2012 at a Stellenbosch dinner party. Siya, then a rising rugby star, recalled their initial meeting in a YouTube video documenting their courtship: “She thought I was rude because I didn’t greet her properly.”
Despite this awkward start, a connection formed, with Siya describing Rachel as bringing “calmness” into his life. Their first date at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront marked the beginning of their relationship.
Siya later explained his attraction to Rachel, stating, “There were many reasons why I liked her but one of the biggest reasons was because she didn’t need me. There were girls who fell over themselves because you are a professional sportsman but Rachel wasn’t one of them.”
Their relationship, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Siya’s meteoric rise to fame as the first black captain of the Springboks, coupled with his own admissions of past struggles with “temptations, sin, lifestyle choices and pornography,” as detailed in his autobiography, Rise, placed immense strain on their marriage.
Rachel’s initial fiery responses to online criticism eventually gave way to a more measured approach: “I used to let online comments upset me. I would get fiery and respond back. Now I realise I’m a mom and a CEO so I stay out of those things,” she admitted.
He attributed these struggles partly to his upbringing in Zwide, Gqeberha: “Growing up in the township, your parents aren’t watching you every minute, and kids end up seeing things they shouldn’t… In my community, you see it so many times that it becomes normal. That’s not good, being immune to things like that.”
Their marriage, which began in 2016, was initially seen as a symbol of resilience and hope. They welcomed their first child in 2015 and later adopted Siya’s younger siblings. In 2020, they established The Kolisi Foundation, further enhancing their public image. Their move to France for Siya’s rugby career and subsequent return to South Africa after his second World Cup victory only added to the complexities of their story.
Phenduka suggested infidelity as a possible contributing factor. MacG, while acknowledging the speculative nature of their discussion, added a provocative comment: “But if there is one guy in this country who is allowed to cheat, it’s Siya man. He’s a two-time World champion, come on.”
Despite the rumours, Siya and Rachel remain committed to co-parenting and maintaining a respectful relationship. However, Siya’s recent Instagram updates leave little doubt that a new chapter has begun in his life.
