Sunday, June 16, marked a special dual celebration for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
On this day, Kolisi celebrated not only his 33rd birthday but also Father’s Day. He and his wife Rachel Smith, whom he married in 2016, have two children: their son Nicholas Siyamthanda (born 2015) and daughter Keziah (born 2017).
In addition to his own children, Siya Kolisi’s household also includes his half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, the children of Siya’s mother who passed away in 2009. After spending five years in orphanages and foster care in Port Elizabeth, they were welcomed into the Kolisi home.
Siya Kolisi, a celebrated rugby player, boasts 83 Test caps and has scored 10 tries for the Springboks. He has led South Africa to consecutive Rugby World Cup victories, hoisting the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan in 2019 and again in France in 2023.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Kolisi is expected to step down from his role as captain, as coach Rassie Erasmus plans to appoint a new leader based in South Africa. Kolisi, who previously played for the Stormers and Sharks, is currently with Racing 92 in France.
Looking ahead, the Springboks are scheduled to play their first of 13 Tests in 2024 against Wales at Twickenham in London on Saturday, June 22.
Additionally, in a tribute to its distinguished alumnus, Grey High School, where Kolisi studied, renamed its first XV rugby field “The Kolisi Field” in 2022.
