Siya Kolisi Biography: Early Life and Education | Club Career | International Career | Personal Life

Siya Kolisi Biography

Siya Kolisi is a rugby player and captain of the Springboks South African national team. He is also the first black man to lead South Africa to win the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

Early Life and Education

Siya Kolisi was born on June 16, 1991, in Zwide, Port Elizabeth. His birth coincided with significant historical events – 15 years after the Soweto Youth Uprisings and 16 months after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Raised by his grandmother Nolulamile following his mother’s passing, Kolisi’s rugby journey began at Emsengeni Primary School.

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Kolisi’s talent caught the eye of scouts during a youth tournament in Mossel Bay when he was just 12 years old. He earned a scholarship to Grey Junior School, one of South Africa’s prestigious institutions. He later received another rugby scholarship to Grey High School, known for producing renowned athletes like Graeme Pollock and Mike Catt. During this time, Kolisi learned English from his best friend, Nicholas Holton, and named his son after him.

Club Career

In 2010, Siya Kolisi joined the Western Province Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch, marking the beginning of his senior career. His debut for Western Province came in the 2011 Vodacom Cup against the Golden Lions, and he made regular appearances in the Currie Cup, contributing with four tries during one campaign. Kolisi’s Super Rugby debut for the Stormers followed in 2012, where he became a key player with 16 appearances.

Kolisi continued to shine for Western Province and the Stormers until 2020, winning the Currie Cup twice and earning nominations for prestigious awards such as the SA Rugby Player of the Year (2017). In 2021, a salary and image rights dispute led him to sign with the Sharks, a rival team. His debut for the Sharks in the Currie Cup was marked with a try, and he continued to excel in Super Rugby Unlocked and Super Rugby AU2. In April 2023, Kolisi announced his move to Racing 92, a French club based in Paris.

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Siya Kolisi International Career

Kolisi’s international career began in 2010 and 2011 when he represented South Africa at the U20 level in the IRB Junior World Championship. He made his senior Springboks debut in 2013 against Scotland. His first international try came in Durban against France on June 17, 2017. In 2018, Kolisi made history by becoming the first black captain of the Springboks, appointed by coach Rassie Erasmus.

Under Kolisi’s leadership, South Africa achieved remarkable victories, including a historic series victory over England (2-1) and a famous win over New Zealand (36-34) in Wellington during the Rugby Championship. His greatest achievement came in 2019 when he captained South Africa to win the Rugby World Cup in Japan, making him the first black captain to achieve this feat in rugby history.

Siya Kolisi Personal Life

Beyond rugby, Kolisi is an avid fan of Liverpool FC and has met some of the players and manager Jurgen Klopp. He also enjoys playing golf and watching movies in his spare time.