Rachel Kolisi reveals real reason behind divorce from Springbok captain Siya

Saturday, 05 July 2025 at 07:27

byRugby Rucker

. Their joint net worth has now soared to an estimated £30 million, proving rugby and royalty make quite the combo.

The high-profile split between double World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel continues to make headlines in South Africa.

Once hailed as South Africa’s rugby royalty, the Kolisis announced their separation in a joint statement on 22 October, citing “much reflection and open conversations” and a mutual decision “from a place of love, respect and understanding”.

But the public isn’t buying the “respectful split” narrative so easily. The ruckus online has been relentless, with

Team Siyaand Team Rachel trading digital tackles across social media. And it’s getting messy.

TWO SIDES TO SIYA?

In a bombshell revelation during Bok captain’s documentary, Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story , Rachel opened up about the cracks behind the curtain. “It’s like there were two other people,” she revealed. “It was Siya, and then there was a horrible Siya. I was full on ready for a divorce. I was done, done, done.”

That comment alone lit up the comment section like a Saturday Test match under the lights.

“‘Horrible Siya’… that’s harsh,” one fan, Jann Henderson, chimed in. “You can NEVER blame one person when a marriage fails. It always takes two… always!”

Another user, clearly backing the Bok skipper, fired:

“So she did all this before telling the world they’re divorcing? Maybe Siya is the innocent one!”

But others weren’t so quick to pass Siya the sympathy card.

“Siya Kolisi cannot be the innocent one when he fooled around with women. Go read his book,” treniy21 posted. “That girl tried to bekezela. It just got too much for her because your brother doesn’t wanna grow up.”

And then came the dramatic tackles:

“Yoh! You would swear Siya committed murder the way y’all are so invested in him. Ngathi nje kuthiwe, skulls were found in his fridge,” Andy exclaimed.

Jay joined the scrum too, with this blunt line:

“Read the book. You’ll understand that Siya thought he was the biggest thing ever.”

RACHEL GETS REAL

Rachel’s recent interview on The African CEO podcast added more fuel to the fire. In the episode “Rachel Kolisi: How To Lead Your Own Life”, she laid bare the realities of life married to a Springbok hero.

“From the beginning... we’ve always had situations of him being away for one, two, three, four months at a time,” she said.
“I have friends whose husbands travel for three days and they’re like, ‘I don’t know how you do this’.”

Now, it seems even the strongest tackle couldn’t hold this relationship together.

From World Cup glory to family heartbreak — the Kolisi saga is far from over, and fans are still choosing sides in what’s turning out to be one of the most talked-about splits in South African sport.

Mike and Zara Tindall are now rugby’s richest couple with huge net worth

Rugby’s richest couples have built empires that go beyond the field, blending fame, fortune, and family in fascinating ways.

From high-profile partnerships to humble beginnings, these power pairs have amassed impressive fortunes while leaving a lasting legacy. With stories of childhood love, philanthropic missions, and royal connections, each couple brings their own unique flair to the game.

Here’s a look at the top rugby couples—ranked from the humblest fortunes to the biggest bank accounts.

Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£7m)

From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby’s wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans’ hearts as much as Johnny’s kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.

With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple’s journey—from Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love.

Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£14m)

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s £10 million empire wasn’t just built on rugby; it’s infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.

Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya’s life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa’s “golden couple” lives on.

Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)

Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he’s carved a unique sports career.

His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple’s success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements.

Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero’s Quiet Empire (£22m)

Jonny Wilkinson isn’t just a legend on the field; he’s a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.

They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they’re embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny’s legacy as one of rugby’s finest is matched by his financial success and family’s privacy.

Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£30m)

Now the richest rugby couple!

“Fridge” by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall’s wealth and fame go beyond rugby.

Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike’s career has been nothing short of resilient.

Since retirement, he’s taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive

Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?

From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.

Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.

Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!

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