Rachel and Siya Kolisi announce their marriage has ended

Springbok rugby player Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel released a joint statement on Tuesday afternoon revealing their decision to end their marriage.

The news comes shortly after the couple returned to South Africa from France, where Siya concluded his contract with Racing 92.

“This decision comes from a place of love, respect and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us. While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and committed partners in raising our children with the same love and care they’ve always known. We will also continue working together on the Foundation that means so much to us,” their statement on social media read.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi in happier times.

The couple, who first met in 2012 at a dinner party in Stellenbosch, began their relationship as friends.

They welcomed their first child, son Nicholas Siyamthanda, in 2015, followed by daughter Keziah in 2017. In 2014, they adopted Siya’s younger half-siblings, Liyema and Liphelo.

Rachel stepped back from her career as an event manager and marketing executive to focus on being a full-time mother and later led the Kolisi Foundation.

The couple married on August 13, 2016, in a ceremony in Franschhoek that was featured on “Top Billing.”

Throughout their marriage, they faced challenges, including racial abuse and attempts by other women to disrupt their relationship.

Rachel has publicly addressed these issues on social media, condemning women who sent inappropriate messages to Siya.

Last year, they celebrated their seventh anniversary, with Siya reflecting on how Rachel supported him during difficult times and helped him build a family.

The Kolisis did not provide details on the reasons for their split but requested respect as they navigate this transition and expressed gratitude for the public’s love and support.

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