Long before lifting two Rugby World Cups and becoming one of South Africa’s greatest sporting icons, Kolisi made a life-changing decision away from the rugby field.
At just 23 years old, he tracked down his younger half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, after years of searching following the death of their mother, Phakama, and vowed never to leave them behind.
The emotional reunion remains one of the defining moments of Kolisi’s life.
“She started hugging me, and I knew right then that there was no way I was leaving without them,” Kolisi recalled.
Although his professional rugby career was only just taking off, Kolisi never hesitated.
“They were coming with me. I didn’t care what it took. They were going to spend Christmas with me; they were going to get the life they always deserved.”
Kolisi welcomed Liyema and Liphelo into his home, where they were raised alongside his own children, Nicholas and Keziah. The legal adoption process took around 18 months to complete, officially making them part of the Kolisi family.
Although Kolisi and Rachel announced their separation in 2024, the Springboks captain remains devoted to all four children. While his achievements on the pitch have inspired millions, many believe his greatest legacy is the compassion and responsibility he showed away from rugby by giving his younger siblings the loving home they deserved.
The Springboks boast some of rugby’s most talented and highly‑paid stars, with recent salary estimates reflecting their global appeal and elite ability.
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.
