Siya Kolisi and Tom Curry will go head-to-head once again this weekend when England take on South Africa – but the Springbok captain has previously made his true feelings towards the flanker perfectly clear.
The pair have been fierce rivals on the international stage, including during the hugely controversial 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris.
However, away from the pitch, Kolisi and Curry are good friends.
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The Springbok skipper publicly backed the England star after Curry and his family were subjected to online abuse following the racism row involving South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Curry alleged that Mbonambi had racially abused him during England’s narrow 16-15 semi-final defeat, with World Rugby later finding insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
Kolisi revealed at the time that he had personally contacted Curry to check on his welfare.
“I have spoken to him, I sent him a message,” said Kolisi.
“He is someone I respect.”
The two back-row forwards have developed a friendship despite their intense battles on the international stage.
Kolisi continued: “We can take it as hard as we can on the field, but we are good friends.
“I feel for him. I feel for his family.
“I have never been through that. I don’t know what it’s like.
“I hope that he is OK.”
Kolisi was particularly concerned by the abuse directed towards Curry and his family following the controversy.
Curry will now come up against his friend once again as England face the world champions in their opening Nations Championship fixture.
The pair are unlikely to give each other an inch when the whistle blows – but Kolisi has already made it clear just how much respect he has for the England star.
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