'I sent her a message'- Siya Kolisi on the bold move that led to love and controversy

South Africa has been drawn into the latest high-profile celebrity split as Springboks captain Siya Kolisi’s autobiography surfaces with candid confessions sparking fresh intrigue around his relationship with Rachel.

South Africa’s double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has been no stranger to the spotlight both for his achievements on the field and the tumultuous revelations about his personal life.

In the wake of his recent divorce from wife Rachel Kolisi, fans and critics alike have revisited Siya’s 2021 autobiography, Rise, a candid memoir that touches on his complex journey, both as a sportsman and as a man navigating fame, love and personal challenges.

In Rise, Kolisi recounts his early days as a rugby player, fresh from signing with the Stormers, and the beginning of his relationship with Rachel Smith (now Kolisi).

"It was 19 May 2012, I went to Gino’s [restaurant] with my girlfriend at the time, some of the Waratah’s boys, and the cousin of a woman named Rachel Smith," he writes.

Although Siya was in a relationship, Rachel quickly caught his eye.

"She didn’t think I was anything special. In fact, she thought I was quite rude. But there was something about her which really got to me…it was the way she carried herself, the sense that here was someone special, and not like other women."

Despite his relationship status, Kolisi pursued Rachel, confessing that he messaged her on Facebook shortly after their first meeting.

“At first, it was just as friends. I was in a relationship at the time, even though it was on and off and not particularly serious,” he admits.

This confession, printed in black and white, has resurfaced as fans and followers speculate about the real reasons behind the couple's split, with many wondering if infidelity or emotional distance played a role.

For years, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were seen as one of South Africa’s most admired couples, admired for their charity work and public dedication to their family.

Yet, Siya’s memoir paints a portrait of a young man grappling with the demands of newfound fame.

“I was young, still 20, and full of it. I loved rugby, I loved drinking, and I loved girls,” he writes.

This admission of youthful indulgence, however, was not the only revelation in his book.

Kolisi also speaks about his past struggles with alcohol, reckless spending and visits to strip clubs—habits he says he outgrew as he matured in his career and relationship with Rachel.

In the years since, the Kolisis faced challenges both privately and publicly.

In 2019, Rachel called out a Cape Town fitness model on social media after suspecting her of inappropriate communication with Siya.

“Just wondering what her a** is doing in my husband’s DMs?” she shared alongside a picture of the woman.

According to Rachel, she was defending her marriage from what she perceived as a threat.

Yet the model, Marike Botha, claimed it was all a misunderstanding, insisting that Siya had merely commented on her Instagram post to suggest she wear his favorite swimwear brand, Franklees.

Botha later demanded an apology from Rachel asserting that she faced public “slut-shaming” and threats due to the incident.