Siya Kolisi reveals his plan for life after rugby as political role emerges

The double Rugby World Cup-winning skipper remains a central figure for South Africa and has shown no immediate desire to walk away from the game.

However, the 35-year-old has previously spoken openly about what comes next, with charity work, business interests and helping grow women’s rugby all featuring prominently in his plans.

There is also an intriguing new dimension to his future, with Kolisi taking on an increasingly prominent role in South African public life.

Despite previously dismissing the prospect of becoming a politician, Kolisi was appointed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the country’s National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group in 2025.

The group was created to help guide and champion South Africa’s National Dialogue, bringing together prominent figures from sport, business, civil society and other areas of public life.

The process is intended to bring South Africans together to discuss some of the country’s biggest challenges and help shape a shared vision for its future. The Eminent Persons Group continues to help guide that process in 2026.

Kolisi’s appointment does not mean he has entered party politics, but it represents a significant national role away from rugby and adds an interesting twist to previous speculation about his future.

The Springbok icon has previously made his feelings on becoming a politician clear.

Asked about the prospect in 2023, Kolisi replied:

Instead, his long-term ambition has been centred around making an impact through the Kolisi Foundation.

Kolisi has previously described working for his foundation as his number-one priority once his playing days are over.

The organisation, founded by Siya and Rachel Kolisi, works to tackle inequality in South Africa, with programmes focusing on areas including gender-based violence, food security, education and sport.

Speaking about retirement, Kolisi said: “I want to work for my foundation, that’s what I want to do.”

But that is unlikely to be his only focus.

Kolisi has also revealed ambitions to move into public speaking, work with businesses and continue developing his interests in fashion.

Another cause particularly close to him is the development of women’s rugby.

Kolisi has spoken about wanting more men to support the women’s game and has even suggested that he could potentially work with World Rugby to help attract greater sponsorship, support and opportunities for female players.

Despite already preparing for the next chapter, Kolisi has made it clear that retirement will only come when he feels he can no longer compete at the required level.

Speaking in 2025, he explained that he still had the drive to push himself and achieve more, adding that he would not continue playing simply for the sake of it once he could no longer compete.

For now, his focus remains firmly on the Springboks.

But between his foundation, business interests, ambitions for women’s rugby and his growing involvement in South African public life, Kolisi's influence looks set to extend well beyond the rugby pitch whenever he finally calls time on his remarkable career.

Out of these exceptional leaders, some have claimed the title just once, while others have done so on multiple occasions. Captains from nations such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa are part of the exclusive list of multiple-time champions.

We challenge you to identify all Rugby World Cup-winning captains across the tournament's history spanning 10 editions.