South African rugby star Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel have announced their divorce after more than a decade together, leaving fans heartbroken.
The couple frequently shared their love and family life on social media and were admired as a power couple by many South Africans. News of their split has sparked a frenzy online, with fans expressing shock over the end of their celebrated marriage.
They have requested respect and privacy as they navigate this transition. Siya Kolisi captained the national rugby team to a World Cup victory in 2019, while Rachel has been an advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice in South Africa. As the first black captain of the Springboks, Siya broke barriers in a sport historically associated with the country’s white minority.
Many South Africans saw the mixed-race couple as a symbol of the “rainbow nation,” despite ongoing racial tensions 30 years post-apartheid. Kolisi has previously spoken about the “horrible” social media abuse they faced as a couple.
The pair married in 2016 after four years of dating and have two children, along with Kolisi’s younger sister and brother, whom they adopted after their mother’s death in 2009.
In a joint statement on Instagram, they said their decision to separate was mutual and amicable, emphasizing that it comes from a place of love and respect. While they did not disclose specific reasons for the split, they acknowledged the challenges they faced as a couple.
They plan to co-parent their four children and continue their work with their foundation. The couple had just returned to South Africa, with Siya rejoining the Sharks in September after canceling his contract with French side Racing.
Many South Africans have taken to social media to express their heartbreak, with some humorously suggesting the nation take a “family responsibility leave” in light of the news. Others echoed sentiments that their legacy as a power couple will continue to inspire future generations.
