South Africans were stunned on Wednesday after news emerged that one of the country’s most prominent couples, Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, were divorcing.
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The celebrity couple who were a symbol of the “rainbow nation” made a joint announcement late on Tuesday on Instagram.
“After much reflection and open conversations, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us,” said the statement.
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Kolisi, 33, holds superstar status at home and around the rugby world as the first black man to lead the Springboks, captaining them to two Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 as well as this year’s Rugby Championship.
After last year’s World Cup final in Paris, he stayed in France to play for Racing 92, but cut short his contract last month to return to Durban-based Sharks.
“My family have missed South Africa and it is time to come home,” he said at the time.
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His marriage to Rachel Smith in 2016 captivated South Africa, a country where racial tensions are still rife three decades after the end of apartheid.
Their split has grabbed the headlines, with national outlets writing: “Siya and Rachel: The fairytale that wasn’t to be” and “Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s divorce leaves Mzansi heartbroken”.
South Africans have also taken to social media to express their sadness over the news.
“We need to take family responsibility leave tomorrow as a country. We are shattered,” one person posted on X.
Others said it was “the most tragic split South Africans have witnessed since Nelson (Mandela) and mama Winnie” and compared the separation to “the divorce of a royal couple, but one that is actually useful, loved and makes a difference”.
SEE | Siya and Rachel remain committed to the Kolisi Foundation
Kolisi, who grew up in a township near the city of Port Elizabeth, since renamed Gqeberha, described the rocky beginnings of his relationship with Rachel in his autobiography, Rise.
The couple have two children and adopted two of Kolisi’s younger siblings.
When announcing their divorce, they said that they “remain great friends and committed partners” in raising their children.
READ | Siya Kolisi and wife Rachel to divorce: FULL statement
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