"New Partner" - Siya Kolisi set to depart South Africa in shock move
Rugby NewsSaturday, 06 December 2025 at 07:55
Two-time Rugby World Cup–winning captain Siya Kolisi is being lined up by Japanese League One side Kobe Steelers, according to fresh reports.
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Kolisi came close to signing with Tokyo Sungoliath after the 2023 World Cup before opting for Racing 92, but the Japanese heavyweights have now reignited their pursuit of the Springbok skipper.
A switch to Japan would see Kolisi link up with a star-studded cast of South African internationals already lighting up the league, including Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx, Kwagga Smith, Manie Libbok, and Lukhanyo Am.
This story is developing — watch this space.
New Partner?
The Siya Kolisi rumour mill is in overdrive once again after Rachel John — the woman social media has suddenly zeroed in on — flew into Dublin during the Springboks’ showdown with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Spotted in Dublin
The 24-year-old Dutch model took to Instagram to confirm she had touched down in Ireland, sharing a photo of herself holding a massive bouquet of flowers with the caption “Somewhere in Dublin”.
She later posted another snap from a trip to the Guinness factory.
She later posted another snap from a trip to the Guinness factory.
Mixing with the WAGs
Adding to the chatter, John enjoyed a girls’ night out with several Springbok WAGs — many of whom have recently followed her on Instagram.
ATP Finals moment goes viral
The Dublin trip comes barely a week after a picture of John and Kolisi seen chatting at the ATP Finals in Italy went viral, sending fans into speculation mode.
Silence from both camps
Neither Siya Kolisi nor Rachel John — who shares a first name with Kolisi’s ex-wife — has made any comment on the rumours currently circulating.
Rugby’s Power Couples: The Top 20 Stars and Their Partners (Ranked 20-1)
20. Ben White & Jodie Burridge
Scotland’s fiery scrum-half and British tennis ace Jodie bring the heat wherever they go — sporty, ambitious, and full of energy.
19. George Ford & Atdhetare Hoxha
England’s composed fly-half and his elegant fiancée keep things classic and classy. A quiet power couple in every sense.
18. Maro Itoje & Mimi Itoje
Understated, intelligent, and effortlessly cool. England’s cerebral lock and his stylish wife keep the spotlight where it belongs — on excellence.
17. Joe Marchant & Hollie Shearer
A rugby star meets football royalty’s daughter — the son-in-law Alan Shearer didn’t know he needed! A fun, media-friendly modern pair.
16. Marcus Smith & Beth Dolling
England’s flair player and his model-singer girlfriend bring fashion and flair to the rugby world. A young couple with superstar potential.
15. Simon Easterby & Sarra Elgan
Ireland’s forwards coach and the Welsh presenter are a rugby broadcasting dream team — brains, beauty, and a shared love of the game.
14. Finn Russell & Emma Canning
The Scottish playmaker and his multi-talented heptathlete partner are electric — charm, cheek, and competitiveness rolled into one.
13. Eben Etzebeth & Anlia van Rensburg
The Springbok enforcer and South African singer-songwriter embody raw passion and power — rugby grit meets glamour.
12. Brian O'Driscoll & Amy Huberman
Still Ireland’s golden couple. The legendary centre and the beloved actress have long mastered the art of fame, family, and fun.
11. Dan Carter & Honor Carter
New Zealand’s ultimate glamour pair. Two sporting stars, one golden legacy — and still the blueprint for “couple goals” in rugby circles.
10. Richie McCaw & Gemma McCaw
The GOAT himself and an Olympic hockey star — humble, heroic, and still New Zealand’s most admired pairing.
9. Johnny Sexton & Laura Sexton
The Irish legend and his wife Laura have been together through every phase of his glittering career. A partnership built on loyalty and love.
8. Jonny Wilkinson & Shelley Jenkins
The man who won England the 2003 World Cup — and the woman who helped him find peace after it. Calm, grounded, and utterly iconic.
7. George North & Becky James
A Welsh rugby great and an Olympic medalist cyclist — the ultimate all-athlete duo. Fast, focused, and family-first.
6. Sarah Bern & Mackenzie Carson
Red Roses icons and 2025 World Cup champions. Together, they’re redefining what it means to be a power couple in modern rugby.
5. Mike Tindall & Zara Tindall
Rugby meets royalty — literally. From Cheltenham to the royal box, the Tindalls remain Britain’s best-known sporting sweethearts.
4. Abbie Ward & Dave Ward
England lock Abbie returned from motherhood to win the 2025 World Cup — alongside her coaching husband, Dave. The ultimate rugby family success story.
3. Andy Farrell & Colleen Farrell
Ireland’s head coach and his wife Colleen are rugby royalty — and the parents of England captain Owen Farrell. That’s sporting legacy on another level.
2. Antoine Dupont & Iris Mittenaere
France’s superstar scrum-half and former Miss Universe make one of the most glamorous couples in sport. Dupont’s brilliance meets Iris’s global fame — a blend of beauty, brains, and blue jerseys.
1. Marlie Packer & Rosie Galligan
World Cup winners, teammates, and trailblazers. The Red Roses duo top our list for their passion, pride, and power — both on and off the field. The ultimate rugby power couple of 2025.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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