Siya Kolisi

On June 15, 2013, Siya Kolisi made his debut for the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, in a match against Scotland. The game was held at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Kolisi's performance was instrumental in South Africa's 30-17 win, as he came off the bench to replace an injured player and made a significant impact on both defense and attack. His debut was the start of a promising international career, and his energy and skill earned him a permanent spot on the team in subsequent matches. Kolisi's debut was seen as a celebration of talent emerging from all parts of South Africa.

On June 10, 2017, Siya Kolisi earned his 50th cap for the South Africa national rugby team, the Springboks, in a match against France at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. This milestone highlighted his steady presence and performance in the national team since his debut in 2013. Reaching 50 caps is a significant achievement for any rugby player, marking their longevity and contribution to the team. Kolisi's journey to this point was a testament to his dedication and skill, as he battled through injuries and challenges to assert himself as one of the team's key players.

On May 28, 2018, Siya Kolisi was named as the first black captain of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks. Kolisi's appointment as captain represented a significant moment in the history of South African rugby and the broader national discourse on race and transformation in sports. He was chosen to lead the team in the test series against England in June 2018, marking a new era of inclusion and progress in South African rugby, which had historically been dominated by white players and leadership. This appointment was highly celebrated in South Africa and resonated globally as an exemplar of post-apartheid progress, as Kolisi himself overcame significant personal challenges and rose through the ranks from a township in the Eastern Cape to lead the national team.

On June 9, 2018, Siya Kolisi captained the South Africa rugby team for the first time in a match against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. This test match was the first of a three-match series, and Kolisi’s debut as captain was closely watched, given the historical significance of his role as the first black captain of the Springboks. Under his leadership, South Africa won the game 42-39, marking a successful start to his captaincy. The match not only highlighted his leadership skills and ability to unite the team but also reinforced the positive social change taking place in South African sports.

On November 2, 2019, Siya Kolisi made history by leading the South African rugby team to a World Cup victory in Japan. The Springboks defeated England 32-12 in the final, and Kolisi became the first black captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. This victory was not only a triumph on the field but also a significant cultural moment for South Africa, symbolizing unity and hope across a nation with a complex history. Kolisi's leadership and personal journey, from growing up in a Port Elizabeth township to becoming a world champion, were widely celebrated, cementing his status as a national hero and an international icon in the world of rugby.

On September 21, 2020, Siya Kolisi released his autobiography titled 'Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story'. The book details his remarkable rise from humble beginnings in the township of Zwide to becoming the captain of the South Africa rugby team and leading them to World Cup glory. In the autobiography, Kolisi shares personal stories about his childhood, the struggles with poverty, and the challenges he faced in his career and personal life. The book received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of Kolisi's life and the inspirational message it provided. Kolisi’s story was celebrated by fans and peers alike, as it underscored the power of perseverance and resilience.

On January 19, 2021, Siya Kolisi launched the Kolisi Foundation, an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in South Africa. The Foundation focuses on addressing issues such as food insecurity, gender-based violence, and education. Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, established the Foundation to give back to the community, drawing on Siya's personal experiences growing up in a township. The Kolisi Foundation garnered widespread support and has been involved in numerous projects, reflecting Kolisi's commitment to social change and impact beyond the rugby field. The Foundation quickly became known for its grassroots work and transformative initiatives.

On February 18, 2021, Siya Kolisi announced his move from the Stormers to the Sharks, a major team in South African rugby based in Durban. This transfer marked a new chapter for Kolisi's club career, as he had spent his entire professional career until then with the Stormers in Cape Town, where he had also served as captain. The move was highly publicized and was seen as an important step in Kolisi's career, offering him new challenges and opportunities at the Sharks. Kolisi's influence was expected to further enhance the team's performance and cohesion both on and off the field.

On October 23, 2021, Siya Kolisi was recognized with the Laureus Sporting Moment of the Year Award for his role in leading the Springboks to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The award celebrated not just his performance on the field but also the broader impact of his leadership and the cultural significance of the moment. Kolisi's achievement was widely regarded as a breakthrough in South African sports history, as he became a symbol of hope and unity in a diverse nation. The award highlighted Kolisi's influence and legacy beyond rugby, celebrating his contribution to promoting equality and change.

On August 26, 2023, Siya Kolisi made his return to international rugby after recovering from an injury that had kept him out for several months. His comeback was during a match against New Zealand, one of South Africa's historic rivals. The game was held at Twickenham, London, and was part of the Springboks' preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Kolisi's return was closely followed by fans and analysts, as he was expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming tournament. Despite the challenges of returning from injury, Kolisi demonstrated his usual leadership and commitment, leaving a positive impact on the game.