Siya Kolisi makes his feelings clear on Tom Curry after racism row
Rugby NewsFriday, 03 July 2026 at 09:39
Siya Kolisi and Tom Curry will go head-to-head once again this weekend when England take on South Africa – but the Springbok captain has previously made his true feelings towards the flanker perfectly clear.
The pair have been fierce rivals on the international stage, including during the hugely controversial 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris.
However, away from the pitch, Kolisi and Curry are good friends.
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The Springbok skipper publicly backed the England star after Curry and his family were subjected to online abuse following the racism row involving South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Curry alleged that Mbonambi had racially abused him during England’s narrow 16-15 semi-final defeat, with World Rugby later finding insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
Kolisi revealed at the time that he had personally contacted Curry to check on his welfare.
“I have spoken to him, I sent him a message,” said Kolisi.
“He is someone I respect.”
The two back-row forwards have developed a friendship despite their intense battles on the international stage.
Kolisi continued: “We can take it as hard as we can on the field, but we are good friends.
“I feel for him. I feel for his family.
“I have never been through that. I don’t know what it’s like.
“I hope that he is OK.”
Kolisi was particularly concerned by the abuse directed towards Curry and his family following the controversy.
Curry will now come up against his friend once again as England face the world champions in their opening Nations Championship fixture.
The pair are unlikely to give each other an inch when the whistle blows – but Kolisi has already made it clear just how much respect he has for the England star.
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VOTE: Pick your combined Springboks-England XV
Rassie Erasmus and Steve Borthwick have named strong starting XVs, setting the stage for a fascinating debate. Now is your chance to go position by position and pick your combined XV from both coaches’ matchday squads for Saturday’s clash at Ellis Park.
15 Damian Willemse vs George Furbank
14 Cheslin Kolbe vs Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
13 Jesse Kriel vs Tommy Freeman
12 Damian de Allende vs Seb Atkinson
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse vs Cadan Murley
10 Manie Libbok vs Fin Smith
9 Grant Williams vs Jack van Poortvliet
1 Ox Nche vs Ellis Genge
2 Malcolm Marx vs Jamie George
3 Thomas du Toit vs Joe Heyes
4/5 Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje vs Alex Coles and George Martin
6 Siya Kolisi vs Ollie Chessum
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit vs Tom Curry
8 Jasper Wiese vs Ben Earl
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