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The two-time World Cup winner announced his divorce to his wife released a statement, announcing the decision to go their separate ways.
The news of Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s decision to end their eight-year marriage has left South Africa reeling.
On a quiet Tuesday evening, the couple announced their separation via a joint Instagram post, confirming the end of their marital relationship, while remaining committed to co-parenting their children and continuing their work together on the Kolisi Foundation.
In their statement, Siya and Rachel expressed that the decision came "from a place of love, respect, and understanding" and emphasized that they would remain friends, focused on raising their children with the same love and care they've always known.
The couple, who share two children and are also guardians to Siya’s younger siblings, urged the public to respect their privacy during this transition.
While the announcement was made with grace and mutual respect, fans across social media have been vocal in expressing their shock, sadness, and disappointment.
For many South Africans, Siya and Rachel represented an ideal couple, not just because of their personal bond, but because of their joint efforts in social justice and community work.
The divorce has sparked a range of reactions from fans, with some showing empathy and offering support, while others voiced more controversial opinions.
One fan tweeted, "As Siya Kolisi's career ends, so does his marriage. Women love value & as soon as your value diminishes, so does her love. Now she gets to take half of what he has worked for all his life."
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This reaction sparked debate, with many criticising the comment as an unfair characterisation of Rachel's role in the marriage and family.
Another social media user drew comparisons to past high-profile divorces, stating, "The Siya and Rachel Kolisi divorce is the most tragic split South Africans have witnessed since Nelson and Mama Winnie. As a country, we can’t breathe."
This emotional reaction underscored how much the Kolisi marriage meant to the public, likening it to one of the country's most iconic relationships.
Journalist Bongani Bingwa chimed in, expressing frustration with those who were quick to make negative remarks.
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“It’s sad when any marriage ends… I’ve been particularly annoyed with those who have seen fit to celebrate or say unkind things... Wait until it happens to you!"
Amid the sadness, there was also a wave of appreciation for Rachel Kolisi, particularly for the way she embraced the role of a mother not just to her own children, but to Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, whom she and Siya adopted in 2014 after they had spent years in orphanages following the death of their mother.
A fan noted, "Can we show appreciation to Rachel Kolisi, who immensely took the responsibility of adopting her husband’s siblings 10 years ago... She’s a rare gem, no wife could have done what she did. Siya Kolisi lost a real one."
Despite the heartbreaking news, many fans are rallying around both Siya and Rachel, wishing them the best as they navigate this difficult decision.
"We reject this divorce as a country, they need to fix things," one fan tweeted, highlighting the deep emotional connection the South African public feels toward the couple.
In the world of sports, few relationships have garnered as much love and admiration as that of Siya and Rachel Kolisi. Siya, the Springbok captain who led South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019, and Rachel, a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and social justice, have been an inspiring duo both on and off the field.
Their love story, which began in 2012 at a dinner party in Stellenbosch, has now come to an end, but their shared dedication to their family and their foundation continues.
As South Africa processes the news, it’s clear that the Kolisis' influence extends far beyond the rugby pitch, touching the hearts of people across the country.
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