Springboks captain Siya Kolisi took to Instagram on Sunday, 10 May, to share an emotional tribute to his late mother on Mother’s Day.
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The rugby star posted a photo of his mom, Phakama, admitting that the day had been difficult for him as he reflected on the limited memories he still holds close.
“It was a rough day today! Limited memories but will always cherish them❤️,” he wrote.
Phakama passed away when Siya was still a teenager. The loss played a major role in shaping Siya’s upbringing and resilience.
Who is Siya Kolisi?
Born Siyamthanda Kolisi on 16 June 1991 in Zwide, Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, Siya rose from humble beginnings to become one of South Africa’s most celebrated rugby players.
He attended Grey Junior School before earning a scholarship to Grey High School, where his rugby talent flourished. Kolisi later made his professional debut for the Stormers and Western Province before becoming a key figure for the Sharks.
In 2018, Siya made history when he became the first black captain of the South Africa national rugby union team. Under his leadership, the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and defended their title at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Kolisi is widely admired not only for his performances on the field but also for his philanthropic work and advocacy for social change. Together with estranged wife Rachel Kolisi, he co-founded the Kolisi Foundation, which focuses on food security, education, gender-based violence awareness and youth empowerment in underserved communities.
Siya and Rachel also adopted his younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, after the death of their mother.
Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s divorce
Siya and Rachel Kolisi are currently navigating a divorce after announcing their split in a joint statement in October 2024 following eight years of marriage.
The former couple share two children together — Nicholas, 11, and Keziah, 9 — and also legally adopted Siya’s siblings, Liyema and Liphelo.
Since the separation, Siya has reportedly moved on with 25-year-old influencer Rachel John, who splits her time between Amsterdam and the Eastern Cape.
Romance rumours surrounding the pair first surfaced in late 2025. In January, the couple reportedly travelled to Victoria Falls for a romantic getaway — the same destination where Siya and Rachel Kolisi spent their honeymoon.
The pair were also seen together in New York City and Los Angeles in February.
Meanwhile, Rachel Kolisi has focused on rebuilding her life following the divorce, recently releasing a memoir and documentary titled Falling Forward.
During an interview with Anele Mdoda on 947 Radio, Rachel opened up about the possibility of another woman becoming a stepmother to her children.
“You know, I… I can only parent the best that I can and that is my priority, everything else, none of my business,” she said.
Springboks Dominate 2026 World XV
Based on current form and influence, we have selected a best XV in world rugby right now, choosing the standout player in each position.
15 Thomas Ramos
Cold as ice and arguably the best kicker in the world, Ramos proved it when he slotted France’s match winning kick in the Six Nations.
Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he was outstanding throughout the championship. His goal kicking was close to flawless and his playmaking from fullback made him a crucial attacking weapon.
He even moved to fly half against Italy and looked completely comfortable, highlighting his versatility. Performances like that make his place in this team fully deserved.
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14 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
At just 22 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining expectations for a winger. He is now Bordeaux’s all time leading try scorer and holds the record for the most tries in a single Six Nations, remarkable achievements so early in his career.
From a hat trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to helping deliver Bordeaux’s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours, his rise has been rapid and emphatic.
Nine tries in the recent championship is extraordinary and he continues to improve.
13 Tommaso Menoncello
Italy will be pleased with their campaign, even though they slipped up against Wales in the final round.
Wins over Scotland and England, including their first ever victory against the latter, underline what was a highly successful tournament.
At the centre of that progress was Tommaso Menoncello. Although he played mostly at inside centre, he takes the outside centre position here due to the strength of options at 12.
Powerful with the ball in hand, he ranked among the top five for several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting both his defensive influence and attacking threat.
12 Stuart McCloskey
McCloskey has been central to everything Ireland produced in this Six Nations.
Losing the title in the final minute will hurt, but there were still many positives from a campaign that improved as it went on.
With six try assists, the joint highest in the tournament, along with the third most carries, the second most defenders beaten and the fifth most offloads, his influence is clear.
It is easy to see why he earns a place in this team.
11 Cheslin Kolbe
Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, yet when the pressure is highest his impact is undeniable.
While discussion sometimes surrounds his club form in Japan, his Test performances offer a far clearer measure of his quality.
A two time World Cup winner, he has scored in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions and delivered defining moments for South Africa.
Whether given space or forced under pressure, Kolbe consistently rises to the occasion.
10 Finn Russell
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might have something to say about this choice.
Creativity at fly half rarely arrives with such control. Once seen purely as a maverick, Finn Russell has developed into a commanding playmaker who blends imagination with authority.
Over the summer he became the Lions’ main creative influence, shaping their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.
Whether leading Bath or steering Scotland through tight Tests, he can shift momentum with a single decision.
At his best, Russell does more than manage a match. He controls its rhythm and direction, as he demonstrated during the recent Six Nations.
9 Antoine Dupont
Even a long spell out with an ACL injury has not diminished Antoine Dupont’s status as rugby’s benchmark.
His list of achievements is remarkable, including World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s in 2021 and in Sevens in 2024, three Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards, Olympic gold and numerous domestic and European titles.
The only player to win both of rugby’s major global individual awards, he represents sustained excellence across formats.
Five Top 14 titles and two European Cups underline his dominance at club level.
1 Ox Nche
Springbok prop Ox Nche has built his reputation on raw power and excellent scrummaging technique.
Compact and explosive, his lower centre of gravity gives him a clear advantage against taller opponents.
Beyond the set piece, he contributes through tireless defence and surprising mobility around the field.
He also became the first prop to be nominated for World Player of the Year in 2025.
2 Malcolm Marx
The global benchmark for hookers now belongs to Malcolm Marx.
Powerful in contact, relentless in his work rate and destructive at the breakdown, he has redefined expectations for the position.
After being crowned World Rugby Player of the Year, he became only the second hooker after Keith Wood to win the men’s 15s award and the first since 2001.
Starting 11 of South Africa’s 14 Tests last season and scoring five tries, he played a major role in a campaign where the Springboks retained the Rugby Championship and lost only twice.
3 Joe Heyes
Leicester Tigers tighthead Joe Heyes has emerged over the past year to establish himself among the best in his position.
His scrummaging has improved significantly and is now one of his biggest strengths, a vital area for any prop.
Alongside his set piece work, he still contributes strongly around the field and was one of the few England players who consistently rose to the challenge during the Six Nations.
4 Eben Etzebeth
One of rugby’s most intimidating figures, Eben Etzebeth has anchored the Springbok pack for more than a decade.
With over 130 caps, the towering lock has led through physical dominance and relentless competitiveness.
A World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his presence elevates those around him.
Although he is currently serving a ban for an eye gouge on Alex Mann, no player during the Six Nations did enough to displace him from this team.
5 Tadhg Beirne
There appears to be little that Tadhg Beirne cannot do.
Whether playing in the second row or at blindside flanker, he remains essential to Andy Farrell’s Ireland side.
He led the Six Nations in lineout steals, topped the tournament for jackals and turnovers won, and ranked among the leading tacklers.
His relentless work rate provided a strong foundation for his team throughout the competition.
6 Siya Kolisi
Few leaders in world sport carry the influence of Siya Kolisi.
Rising from humble beginnings to become South Africa’s first black captain, he lifted the Rugby World Cup in both 2019 and 2023.
His leadership reaches far beyond the field, symbolising hope and unity for millions.
Kolisi combines relentless work rate with emotional intelligence on the pitch, while his journey and character shape a legacy that extends well beyond rugby.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
Recognition inevitably follows effort, and few players work harder than Pieter-Steph du Toit.
His 28 tackle performance in the 2023 World Cup final stands among the most remarkable individual displays in the sport.
Now a two time World Rugby Player of the Year at 33, he continues to represent consistency and resilience.
Intelligent in defence and relentless in contact, he embodies South Africa’s competitive spirit.
Even with limited recent club appearances, his standing at the highest level remains unquestioned.
8 Ardie Savea
Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika carried huge symbolic meaning and he backed it up with outstanding performances.
His influence raised standards within the squad, inspired historic wins and earned him Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year.
Explosive and tireless, he remains central to the All Blacks’ identity.
Even with his switch to Japan slightly shifting perceptions, his quality and influence are still undeniable.
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