25 Facts About Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi plays club rugby for the Sharks in the Currie Cup.

Siya Kolisi generally plays as a flanker and a loose forward.

In 2018, Kolisi was appointed captain of the Springboks, becoming the first black man to hold the position and eventually leading the South African Rugby team to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England.

In December 2019, Siya Kolisi was named in New African magazine's list of 100 Most Influential Africans.

Siya Kolisi grew up in Zwide, Ibhayi, a township in Port Elizabeth.

Kolisi's mother, Phakama, was 16 when Siya was born and his father, Fezakele, was in his final year of school.

Siya Kolisi's mother died when he was 15, leaving his late grandmother, Nolulamile, to raise him.

Siya Kolisi was offered a rugby scholarship to the prestigious Grey High School, which South African cricketer Graeme Pollock and England International Mike Catt had attended.

Siya Kolisi was a regular member of the first XV rugby team.

Siya Kolisi was a part of the Eastern Province Kings youth set-up between 2007 and 2009, playing in the Under-16 Grant Khomo week and the Under-18 Craven Week before shifting west to join Western Province.

Siya Kolisi further represented the South Africa national under-18 rugby union team for two consecutive years.

Siya Kolisi made his senior debut for Western Province against the Golden Lions during the 2011 Vodacom Cup and later in the year several injuries and international call-ups gave him the opportunity to make regular starts in the Currie Cup.

Siya Kolisi made 13 appearances and scored 4 tries during the campaign including a crucial score against bitter rivals the Blue Bulls.

Siya Kolisi returned with a bang the following year and held his place in the Stormers side despite fierce competition among the loose forwards.

Siya Kolisi was selected as the new captain of the Stormers on 20 February 2017.

Siya Kolisi was selected as the new captain of the Springboks on 28 May 2018, becoming the team's first black captain in its 126-year history.

Siya Kolisi was on the board of directors of MyPlayers Rugby, which is the players' organisation of all the professional rugby players in South Africa.

Siya Kolisi signed for the Sharks in February 2021 following the successful majority share purchase of the Sharks by MVM Holidings.

Siya Kolisi was a member of the South Africa under 20 side that competed in both the 2010 and 2011 IRB Junior World Championships.

Siya Kolisi made his national team debut as Springbok 851 on 15 June 2013 against Scotland at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Siya Kolisi played two matches for South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Japan and Samoa.

Siya Kolisi became the first ever black player to lead the Springboks in a Test match in the match against England at Ellis Park on 9 June 2018.

Siya Kolisi become the first black captain of a World Cup-winning side.

Rachel, one year older than Siya Kolisi, is from Grahamstown and worked in event management before taking on duties as a full-time mother.

Siya Kolisi is an ardent fan of English club Liverpool FC.