Celebrate double World Cup-winning Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi’s birthday with a look back on his remarkable career.
Kolisi, who turns 34 today, has been a transformative figure in South Africa, beyond rugby. Central to the Bok resurgence initiated by Rassie Erasmus in 2018, he has captained SA to glory at the 2019 World Cup, secured a British & Irish Lions series win in 2021, claimed the 2023 World Cup title and won the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Since his Test debut against Scotland in 2013, the 92-Test Kolisi has become one of the most complete loose forwards in world rugby, marrying elite athleticism with tactical nous and supreme skill.
It was at Western Province, and later the Stormers, that Kolisi’s playing style emerged – a high work rate and ability to influence a game in the tight exchanges as well as in the wide channels, and since rejoining the Sharks from Racing 92 in September 2024, he has found a new lease on life playing at No 8.
As the first black Bok captain, Kolisi has become a national icon, and as the Boks target that World Cup three-peat in two years’ time, the man from Zwide township in Gqeberha remains an integral part of Erasmus’ plans.
His personal triumph over adversity and leadership, resilience and community engagement have been key to the Boks evolving into a team embraced by all South Africans.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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