Siya Kolisi is recognised worldwide as a Rugby World Cup-winning captain, but one of the defining moments of his life came long before international success and global fame.
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At the age of 23, Kolisi adopted his younger brother and sister following the death of his mother, stepping into a parental role while still trying to establish himself in professional rugby.
Kolisi’s mother, Phakama Kolisi, passed away after suffering a stroke, a tragedy that deeply affected the future Springboks captain and his family. Her death left the family facing uncertainty, and Kolisi made the life-changing decision to care for his younger siblings himself.
Despite the emotional and financial pressure that came with the responsibility, he refused to allow his family to be separated.
At the time, Kolisi’s rugby career was only beginning to rise. Having grown up in Zwide in the Eastern Cape, he had already overcome enormous challenges to reach professional rugby.
He earned a scholarship to Grey High School in Port Elizabeth before joining the youth structures at the Stormers and Western Province. In 2013, the same year he adopted his siblings, Kolisi made his debut for the South Africa national rugby union team against Scotland.
Balancing international rugby with family responsibilities was not easy, but Kolisi’s determination and maturity quickly stood out.
Those experiences helped shape the leader he would later become. In 2018, he made history by becoming the first black captain of the Springboks, before leading South Africa to Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
Away from rugby, family remains at the centre of Kolisi’s life. Through the Kolisi Foundation, he continues to support disadvantaged communities across South Africa, using his platform to create opportunities for others. His story is powerful because it goes beyond rugby success — it is about resilience, sacrifice, and stepping up when family needed him most.
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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.
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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.
Rugby Quiz: Can you name every previous Champions Cup winner?
Every season has added another name to the roll of honour, a roll call of the teams that have stood tallest in Europe when it mattered most.
Ahead of this weekend’s final in Bilbao, where Leinster and Union Bordeaux Bègles meet for continental glory, this quiz challenges you to go back through the history books and name every Champions Cup winner since the competition began.
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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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