Siya Kolisi adopted his siblings after a family tragedy

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 09:52

bySteven Smith

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Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has inspired millions by lifting two Rugby World Cups.

But his greatest act of leadership came long before rugby made him a global star.

After a heartbreaking family tragedy, Kolisi stepped in to adopt his younger half-brother, Liyema, and half-sister, Liphelo, giving them a home after they entered South Africa's foster care system.

It's one of the most remarkable stories in rugby.

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A childhood shaped by tragedy

Kolisi was born and raised in Zwide, a township in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), where life was far from easy.

His mother, Phakama, was just 16 years old when she gave birth to him and the family often struggled to survive. After she died when Siya was only 15, he was taken in by his grandmother, while his younger half-siblings entered South Africa's foster care system.

Although rugby opened doors for Kolisi through a scholarship to Grey High School, he never stopped thinking about his brother and sister.

The emotional reunion

While away with the Springboks in 2012, Kolisi began searching for his siblings.

After years apart, he finally found them.

The reunion was emotional, with Kolisi revealing that his younger sister barely recognised who he was.

"My little sister didn't know me. She had been crawling when I last saw her."

Initially, he planned to take the children home for the Christmas holidays before returning them to foster care.

But after spending time together, he knew he couldn't let them go.

"I said, 'I can't send them back,'" said the Springboks captain.

Photo Credit: Rachel Kolisi via Instagram

An 18-month legal process followed before Kolisi officially became their adoptive guardian, bringing them permanently into his family home.

Family first

Throughout his career, Kolisi has spoken openly about how important family is to him.

Despite becoming one of the biggest names in world rugby, he has always insisted his greatest responsibility is to those closest to him.

His experience growing up in poverty has also inspired much of the work carried out by the Kolisi Foundation, which supports vulnerable communities across South Africa through education, food security and youth development.

While rugby fans know Kolisi as the man who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and 2023, those closest to him would argue his proudest achievement happened years earlier.

Five things you might not know about Siya Kolisi

He became the first Black captain of the Springboks

In 2018, Siya Kolisi made history when he was appointed South Africa's first Black Test captain, marking one of the most significant moments in the team's history.

Rugby changed his life at just 12 years old

A scholarship to Grey High School gave Kolisi opportunities he admits would never have been possible growing up in Zwide.

He supports Liverpool

Kolisi is a lifelong Liverpool fan and has built a friendship with former Reds manager Jürgen Klopp through their shared passion for leadership and team culture.

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Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spent some time together during the German's visit to South Africa.
Image: Siya Kolisi / Instagram

His old school renamed its rugby field after him

Grey High School honoured their famous former pupil by renaming the First XV pitch The Kolisi Field.

He's one of only two captains to lift back-to-back Rugby World Cups

Kolisi joined an exclusive club by leading South Africa to consecutive World Cup triumphs in France in 2023, cementing his place among rugby's greatest-ever leaders.

The highest-paid Springboks (Ranked 6-1)

This list breaks down the highest paid Springboks, highlighting their clubs, impact on the game, and what sets them apart financially and on the pitch.

6 Damian de Allende (£460,000 – Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)

A model of consistency in the Springbok midfield, Damian de Allende has been well rewarded since moving to Japan. Comfortable at centre and occasionally on the wing, his powerful running and defensive reliability make him a key asset wherever he plays.

De Allende was part of South Africa’s historic World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, placing him among the elite group of players to have lifted the trophy twice. His contract with Panasonic Wild Knights reflects both his experience at the highest level and his enduring value to the Springbok setup.

5 Handré Pollard (600,000 – Vodacom Bulls, South Africa)

Still regarded as one of the world’s premier fly-halves, Handré Pollard commands a salary befitting his reputation. Although he accepted a pay cut during his time at Leicester Tigers, he remained among rugby’s top earners before returning to South Africa to play for the Bulls.

Pollard famously started in the 2019 World Cup final victory, where he also featured at inside centre, underlining his tactical importance to the Springboks. With spells in Japan, France, England and South Africa, he is one of a select group of players to have won multiple Rugby World Cups.

4 Eben Etzebeth (£770,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s towering lock and one of the most feared forwards in world rugby, Eben Etzebeth earns a reported annual salary of around R18 million (roughly £770,000) with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. This places him among the top-paid players in South African domestic rugby, reflecting his value as a dominant second-row presence and cornerstone of the Sharks pack.

Having previously starred for the Stormers, had a lucrative stint with Toulon, and now anchoring Durban’s engine room, Etzebeth combines raw physicality with experience and consistency. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his influence extends beyond mere salary figures — his role in the Springboks’ forward dominance is pivotal.

Etzebeth’s earnings illustrate both his on-field impact and the financial realities of South African rugby: lower relative to some overseas contracts, but still significant within the domestic game.

3 Siya Kolisi (£775,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s inspirational captain and two-time World Cup winner, Siya Kolisi combines leadership, influence and star appeal, earning around £775,000 per year with the Sharks. Having previously represented the Stormers and Racing 92, Kolisi now anchors Durban’s franchise as a dynamic flanker and loose forward.

Appointed Springbok captain in 2018, he became the first black player to hold the role, later leading South Africa to World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023. His salary reflects not only his on-field impact but his significance to South African rugby as a whole.

2 Faf de Klerk (£900,000 – Yokohama Canon Eagles, Japan)

Renowned for his fiery competitiveness and tireless work rate, Faf de Klerk continues to capitalise on his global popularity in Japan. The Springbok scrum-half earns close to £900,000 with Yokohama Canon Eagles, making him one of the highest-paid players in League One.

A key figure in South Africa’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, de Klerk remains in demand, with rumours linking him to a return to Sale Sharks. However, salary cap restrictions could prevent him from matching his current earnings.

1 Cheslin Kolbe (£930,000 – Tokyo Sungoliath, Japan)

At the top of the list is Cheslin Kolbe, whose breathtaking footwork and match-winning flair have made him the highest-paid player in Japan Rugby League One. Earning an estimated £930,000 with Tokyo Sungoliath, Kolbe has redefined attacking rugby with his ability to influence games from wing, fullback and even fly-half.

A two-time World Cup winner with South Africa, he has also enjoyed success across club rugby in France and South Africa, collecting domestic and European honours along the way. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Kolbe’s salary places him among the highest earners in world rugby.

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