Biography

Siya Kolisi grew up on the streets of Zwide - a township in the Eastern Cape - but it was rugby that elevated him to one of the most recognized faces in rugby after holding up the William Webb Ellis trophy in Japan. He first tried rugby at the age of seven and soon joined the local club African Bombers in the township. Five years later, his life changed when Grey Junior School in Port Elizabeth offered him a scholarship after his talent was spotted. 

The man they call ‘The Bear’ later represented his country in age-group World Cups and burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old when he made his Super Rugby debut in 2012. Siya Kolisi had an impactful first two seasons for the Stormers and became a Springbok on his 22nd birthday in 2013 against Scotland. 

He replaced the injured Arno Botha in the 5th minute and was named as Man of the Match as South Africa won 30–17. Kolisi also played two matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup playing for South Africa against Japan and Samoa.

In 2017, he was appointed to lead the Stormers and did so for two seasons before he was appointed Springbok captain in 2018.

He captained the South African team at the 2019 World Cup in Yokohama, Japan, defeating England 32–12 in the final to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. This was South Africa's third World Cup win, tying with New Zealand. This made Siya Kolisi the first black captain of a World Cup-winning side.

The big loose forward made headlines when he decided to join Durban-based side, the Sharks in February 2021. Thus ending an 11-year stay with the Stormers. This prompted the World Cup-winning captain to pen a heartfelt letter to his former team, paying tribute to all the coaches he worked under. 

Siya Kolisi is undoubtedly a great ambassador for the game and someone from whom young players draw inspiration.