How many kids does Siya Kolisi have? All about his wife, Rachel as the couple announces divorce after 8 years of marriage
Well-known rugby player Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel Kolisi have recently divorced. The duo tied the knot in 2016 and have two children, Nicholas and Keziah.
Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi, an internet personality, shared a joint statement through Instagram on October 22, 2024. They wrote that it was a mutual decision resulting from the "love, respect, and understanding" they have for each other, realizing that it was their best choice.
The post continued:
"While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and committed partners in raising our children with the same love and care they've always known. We will also continue working together on the Foundation that means so much to us."
The duo additionally expressed gratitude to everyone for their support over the years, adding that they are seeking respect while adjusting themselves to the "transition."
The post has received more than 80,000 reactions so far and the comments section has been closed for unknown reasons.
Siya Kolisi's official website addressed the time when he first met Rachel and fell in love with her. He said that it was a "scary" experience as he tried to ask her out for lunch. While speaking to City Press in May 2016, Rachel recalled that they had shared a lot of "special times together" and added:
"I was there when he came out of the bush after his circumcision, when he played in the World Cup and the day he gave his life to Jesus. The birth of our son, Nicholas, and having Liphelo and Liyema join us in Cape Town have been the most incredible blessings by far."
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Rachel grew up in Grahamston, South Africa and her family members also included two siblings. She came to Cape Town with her family after finishing her schooling.
Siya and Rachel's marriage grabbed a lot of attention around eight years ago, which was organized at a wine estate near Stellenbosch. As per Rachel's interview with City Press, Siya Kolisi had to stay away from home due to his rugby commitments and she said that it was not "normal" to raise the kids in such a situation. She further stated:
"We are so blessed. Just the fact that we are financially capable of taking in Siya's little siblings after they were in the system for so many years."
Notably, Siya Kolisi's first child was born a year before he exchanged vows with Rachel, a social media influencer. The Sun states that she was previously a marketing executive and her romance with Siya dates back to 2012 when they first met at a dinner party.
In an interview with Consulat General De France Au Cap in February this year, Rachel revealed that she has visited places like Paris and Toulon. She further mentioned that she lives by a motto that says "This too shall pass" since it helps her to adjust herself to a tough situation. She added:
"I guess I'm intentional about learning from everyone who plays a role in my life, whether it's for a short or long time. To take something I'm challenged by, inspired by, or even led by in them is really important to me. So, I'm probably mostly intentionally inspired by the people in my life and, most importantly, by my faith."
Rachel also launched the Kolisi Foundation with her husband in April 2020 and has been associated with various initiatives. The official website of the organization says that Rachel aims to "change the stories of inequality in South Africa". It also states that she has spent a portion of her life in Cape Town and Durban.
Additionally, she is known as the co-founder of a fitness program called RISE.
Siya Kolisi and his wife had adopted the former's siblings in the past
The Port Elizabeth native lost his mother in 2009 and his family also included two siblings, Liyema and Liphelo. According to The Sun, the siblings began living with Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi in 2014 after residing in orphanages and foster care.
Back in August this year, Rachel shared an Instagram post addressing her happiness about the duo's inclusion into their family. She called them "the greatest gift" she ever received from God and continued:
"While celebrating Liphelo's birthday last week, and having all 4 kids home for the weekend, we reflected on the fact that almost to the day, 10 years ago, Liphelo and Liyema came to spend a week with us in Cape Town to see that they were comfortable to make the move and come stay with us forever."
Siya Kolisi has played for teams such as Stormers and Racing 92 and was a captain for Springboks in 2018. He also played for the South African Rugby team, helping them to win the World Cup Final twice.