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.
