Siya Kolisi is a renowned South African professional rugby union player who currently captains the Springboks, the South African national team.
Kolisi’s birth coincided with a significant period in South Africa’s history: 15 years after the Soweto Youth Uprisings and 16 months after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, marking a cultural impact on the nation’s rugby legacy.
Here, you will know Siya Kolisi’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contracts, stats, wife, career overview, and insights into his rugby statistics, brand partnerships, and sponsorship deals.
Siya Kolisi’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi |
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1991 |
| Age | 33 |
| Education | Grey High School, Port Elizabeth |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 227 lb (103 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2011 |
| Net Worth | £5 million |
| Salary | $1,030,300 per year |
| Wife | Rachel Smith (m. 2016; separated 2024) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Siya Kolisi’s story begins in the township of Zwide in Port Elizabeth, where he was born into modest means and raised by his teenage mother until her passing when he was 15.
His early years were marked by hardship and hunger, yet he found solace in the game of rugby, picking up a ball at seven and quickly mastering the basics. A rugby scholarship to Grey High School opened doors most children from Zwide never imagined.
At Grey, he balanced academic work with training, often arriving before dawn for sessions under floodlights. His resilience was shaped by nights without proper meals and mornings of running drills to build strength and endurance.
His performances for school and local clubs caught the eye of Western Province selectors. He debuted in the Vodacom Cup that year, showcasing a fierce work rate and raw talent. Coaches noted his uncanny ability to read the breakdown, secure turnovers, and carry the ball with power. His Currie Cup outings for Western Province earned him a Super Rugby contract with the Stormers in 2012.
There, Kolisi held his own against seasoned internationals, learning the tactical nuances of professional rugby. Teammates describe him as a sponge for knowledge—studying game footage until late at night and seeking advice from veteran forwards on scrummaging and lineout positioning.
His dedication paid off when he was selected for the national under-20 side, further refining his technique against global opposition. Yet it wasn’t smooth sailing; injuries and fierce competition for back-row spots tested his resolve.
Kolisi responded with extra gym sessions and video analysis, earning trust from coaches who valued his consistency and humility. By the end of 2012, whispers of a Springbok debut began to circulate, setting the stage for a career that would transcend sport.
Professional Career
Kolisi’s Springbok debut arrived on June 15, 2013, against Scotland in Nelspruit. Thrust into a high-pressure environment, he answered with a performance that blended tenacity at the breakdown and intelligent support play, helping South Africa secure a come-from-behind win.
His Super Rugby tenure with the Stormers from 2013 to 2020 saw him develop into a world-class flank, combining speed, strength, and an unyielding work ethic. Each season he increased his tackle count and turnover rate, becoming indispensable in key fixtures.
Coaches recognized his leadership qualities and appointed him Springbok captain, making him the first black man to hold that role. He led the team through The Rugby Championship and into the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Kolisi’s unifying presence was evident both on and off the field as he motivated teammates and fostered a renewed sense of national pride. Under his guidance, South Africa lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, a triumph watched by millions and celebrated as a symbol of unity.
His decision to join the Sharks in 2020 marked a homecoming to South African domestic rugby. He balanced club duties with international commitments, captaining the Springboks in a victorious British & Irish Lions series in 2021.
His leadership peaked again at the 2023 World Cup in France, where he became just the second captain ever to win back-to-back titles. That achievement cemented his status alongside legends like Richie McCaw.
Wife
Siya Kolisi’s wife, Rachel Kolisi, is a prominent figure closely associated with her husband’s career and personal life, co-managing their charitable foundations and public appearances.
Born on January 21, 1990, Rachel has played a significant role as Siya Kolisi’s partner and co-founder and CEO of the Kolisi Foundation.
They first met at a dinner party in Stellenbosch in 2012, and their relationship blossomed from friendship to romance, influencing their lifestyle and personal brand.
Siya Kolisi proposed to Rachel during a helicopter ride over Cape Town, and the couple married on August 13, 2016, in Franschhoek, reflecting their luxury lifestyle.
Together, they have two children, Nicholas Siyamthanda, born in 2015, and Keziah, born in 2017.
Siya Kolisi’s Net Worth Details
Siya Kolisi’s net worth is estimated to be £5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Siya Kolisi’s recent club career includes a high-value deal with Top 14 side Racing 92 that was mutually terminated after one season and a swift return to the Sharks for the 2024–25 campaign. He originally joined Racing 92 in January 2023 on a three-year contract set to run through June 2026, reportedly earning £850,000 per season.
The contract was ended by mutual agreement in September 2024 amid homesickness, Springbok duty commitments and concerns over his readiness for the physically demanding Top 14 competition. He then re-signed with the Sharks on undisclosed terms ahead of the 2024–25 season, marking a reunion with his former South African club.
Salary
Siya Kolisi earned between R18 million and R20 million per season during his stint with France’s Racing 92, a figure driven by the club’s willingness to buy out his Sharks contract and match top Top 14 salaries.
Upon returning to the Sharks for the 2024–25 campaign, Kolisi’s annual income is reported at R18.6 million, which breaks down to approximately R1.55 million per month and R357 894 per week, according to online salary data.
These remuneration levels underscore Kolisi’s leadership value and global appeal as a marquee rugby talent.
Career Earnings
| Period | Club | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | Racing 92 | £850,000 (~R20,000,000 ZAR) | – | – |
| 2024–2025 | Sharks | R18,610,529 ZAR | R1,550,877 ZAR | R357,894 ZAR |
Endorsements
Siya Kolisi has also built a strong off-field portfolio, partnering with top South African and global brands as an ambassador. He represents Investec, the specialist bank that supports his “Kolisi Foundation,” appears in Land Rover campaigns as the Springboks’ official automotive partner, and fronts Puma’s rugby gear in print, video and social-media ads.
He’s further linked with watchmaker Tag Heuer and retailer Mr Price Sport. Together, these endorsement deals are estimated to add roughly R4 million (about £160,000) to his annual income, underscoring his appeal both on and off the pitch.
Career Stats
| Career | Matches | Starts | Tries | Drops | Penalties | Points |
| Stormers (2013 – 2020) | 173 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sharks (2020 – 2023) | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Racing 92 (2023 – 2024) | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| All Tests (2013-2021) | 61 | 47 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| IRB Rugby World Cup (2015-2019) | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| The Rugby Championship (2013-2021) | 25 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
FAQs
1. What is Siya Kolisi’s net worth?
Siya Kolisi’s net worth is estimated at £5 million. This reflects his earnings from club and international rugby, combined with lucrative endorsement partnerships and equity stakes in lifestyle brands.
2. Which teams has Kolisi played for in his professional career?
Kolisi began his professional journey with Western Province in the Vodacom Cup and progressed to the Stormers in Super Rugby from 2013 to 2020. He then joined the Sharks before signing with French Top 14 side Racing 92 in 2023.
3. How did Kolisi become the first black captain of the Springboks?
His consistent performances at club and international level, leadership qualities and resilient character led coaches to appoint him captain in 2018. He made history as the Springboks’ first black skipper, guiding South Africa to the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup titles.
4. Who is Siya Kolisi’s wife and how many children does he have?
Siya married Rachel Smith in 2016. They have two children: son Nicholas Siyamthanda (born 2014) and daughter Keziah (born 2017). Although the couple separated in 2024, they remain committed to co-parenting and their shared foundation work.
5. What major brands endorse Siya Kolisi?
His global appeal has attracted deals with Roc Nation Sports, Adidas, Land Rover and Oakley. In South Africa, he serves as ambassador for FNB, MTN and KFC, and holds a royalty-earning equity stake in footwear company Freedom of Movement.
