Editorial Staff
Who is Siya Kolisi?
As the first black player to captain the Springboks in their 133-year history, Siya Kolisi became a global sports icon and is now considered one of the most influential captains in South African rugby union. Currently, he plays as a flanker for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and is in charge of the South African national team. Kolisi’s remarkable journey from the impoverished Zwide township to international rugby stardom has served as an inspiration for millions in South Africa and worldwide.
The Springboks won their third Rugby World Cup title in 2019 with his leadership, defeating England in the final. He accomplished this feat four years later, in 2023, by leading South Africa to victory over New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final in France. He was the only captain in history, along with New Zealand’s Richie McCaw, who won back-to-back World Cups after this achievement.
| Real Name/Full Name | Siyamthanda Kolisi |
| Date Of Birth | June 16, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Birthplace | Port Elizabeth, South Africa. |
| Nationality | South African. |
| Religion | Christianity. |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Father Name | Fezakele. |
| Mother Name | Phakama. |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inch |
| Weight | 103 kg |
| Marital Status | Divorced. |
| Spouse Name | Rachel Smith (M. 2016 – Div 2022). |
| Children Name | Nicholas and Keziah. |
| Siblings Name | N/A |
| Profession | Rugby Player. |
| Net Worth | $5 Million. |
Early Life & Education
June 16th, 1991 was the date of Siya Kolisi’s birth in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. At the age of 17, Phakama, his mother, gave birth to him. His father, Fezakele, was nearing the end of his studies. At the age of 15, Kolisi lost his mother His grandmother, Nolulamile, was in charge of him. Growing up in Zwide town outside Port Elizabeth, Siya Kolisi experienced a difficult childhood.
Kolisi received a grant from Dim Junior in Port Elizabeth after impressing the scouts during a competition in Mossel Bay when he was just 12 years old. Shortly afterward, he was granted a rugby scholarship to the well-known Dark High School.
Career
Kolisi was a regular participant in the First XV rugby team. In the period between 2007 and 2009, he was part of the Eastern Province Kings youth set-up. He took part in both the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week and the Under-18 Craven Week prior to joining Western Province in the west. He conversed with the South African public under-18 rugby association group for an extended period of time. Siya made an appearance for Western Province in 2011. During that season, he made his presence felt and scored 4 points.
After graduating to the Stormers squad in 2012, Kolisi made an immediate impact, making 16 appearances and scoring one try. The second half of the year was not so kind to him as a thumb injury restricted him to just one appearance in the 2012 Currie Cup and he had to watch on from the sidelines as Province lifted the trophy for their 33rd Currie Cup title.
Kolisi re-emerged with a bang the following year and remained in the Stormers side despite fierce competition from the loose forwards. He earned his first international recognition after recording 13 appearances and 2 tries. Being part of the Springbok set-up for the 2013 Rugby Championship meant he only played in Western Province’s final 3 matches of the 2013 Currie Cup and was powerless to prevent them from slipping to a surprise 33–19 home defeat to the Sharks in the final of the competition.
On February 20th, 2017, Kolisi was chosen as the new captain of the Stormers. On May 28, 2018, he was named the new captain of the Springboks, making him the first black captain in the team’s 126-year history. Bryan Habana, who used to be a Springbok and is of mixed race, described Kolisi’s appointment as a historic moment for South African rugby.
Kolisi was part of the South Africa under-20 team that participated in the 2010 and 2011 IRB Junior World Championships. Kolisi debuted for Springbok 851 against Scotland on June 15, 2013 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. In the 5th minute, he replaced Arno Botha who was injured and was recognized as the Man of the Match as South Africa triumphed with a score of 30-17. As he became a regular member of the national squad, he made nine more substitute appearances during the 2013 international season. In the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Kolisi had the opportunity to play two matches for South Africa against Japan and Samoa.
In February 2021, Kolisi signed with the Sharks due to the successful majority share purchase by MVM Holidings. Kolisi became a member of Top 14 side Racing 92 in January 2023 upon joining them following the World Cup that year. Kolisi returned to the Sharks. His contract with Racing 92 was supposed to expire in 2026, but the French club decided to terminate it early after just one season.
Personal Life
Rachel Smith and Kolisi were married in 2016 and their two children are Nicholas Siyamthanda (born 2014) and Keziah (born 2017) as of 2022. The Kolisi household has been home to Siya’s half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, who were the children of Siya’s mother who died in 2009. They were born in orphanages and foster care in Gqeberha, and have been there since 2014. Rachel, who is one year older than Siya, comes from Makhanda and was previously involved in event management before becoming a full-time mother.
Tatjana Smith, who has won multiple medals as a female swimmer in South Africa and who is married to Rachel’s brother Joel Smith, was also Kolisi’s sister-in-law.
Net Worth
Between $6 million and $8 million is the estimated net worth of Siya Kolisi as of 2026. Professional rugby contracts, sponsorship deals, and various business ventures have allowed him to accumulate wealth. Kolisi’s rugby contracts and endorsements lead to an estimated annual salary of roughly $1 million.
Kolisi’s income is made up of multiple sources. The Sharks’ club contract with him, where he plays in the United Rugby Championship, is his primary source of income. In addition to being compensated for representing South Africa in international competitions, he also receives compensation. Siya’s earnings are in addition to his playing salary, which includes lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands like Adidas, Red Bull, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, FNB, Lenovo, Nike, and MTN.
