Balancing Fame and Family: Siya Kolisi’s Journey Under Scrutiny

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus have closed a successful season – but were their marriages the ultimate sacrifice?

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus have undoubtedly had one of the best years of their lives on the professional front. But sadly, their personal lives have made headlines over their high-profile divorces.

In April, Rassie called time on his 25-year marriage to his wife, with whom he shares three children. Last month, South Africans were heartbroken after Siya and wife Rachel – parents to two children and legal guardians over his siblings – also announced their separation.

Has their success taken a toll on their family life?

SIYA KOLISI AND RASSIE ERASMUS LAUDED OVER SPRINGBOKS SUCCESS

On Saturday, 23 November, the Springboks ended their 2024 test match series on a high note after a 45-12 victory against Wales.

The latest win closes a chapter of many – 11 out of 13 this year, to be exact.

It also secured South Africa’s number-one ranking in the world!

The Springboks will end the year at the top of the World Rugby rankings after their 45-12 victory against Wales 🇿🇦🙌 pic.twitter.com/epyomx7F1s

— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) November 23, 2024

On social media, rugby fans thanked Siya Kolisi for being the best Springbok captain the country has ever seen. Many even claimed that the “golden era” was indicative that the squad was the best performing in the history of test rugby.

We are the World Champions

Siya Kolisi is the World’s best Rugby captain

We are South Africa 🇿🇦 https://t.co/060jPrvTV9

— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) November 23, 2024

2024 has been the best year for the Springboks (outside of a RWC year) for over a decade.
The amount of depth created, while winning the Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup and going 3/3 on tour, and growing the attacking threat.
Superb.

— Dylan Jack (@dylmjack) November 23, 2024

This #Springbok golden era is something special. What a team, and what a time for SA rugby! A fully fit Bok side, and some of these players don’t even make the cut.
Have we already matched or even overtaken the 2011-15 All Blacks? #SSRUGBY

— Ofentse (@OfentseLehong) November 23, 2024

Others lauded coach Rassie Erasmus for his commitment to creating depth, developing new talent, and, of course, his strategic moves on and off the pitch.

Actual photo of all the quality replacements Dr Rassie Erasmus has developed for every position in the Springbok squad. Depth, bruv.
❤️🇿🇦 #WALvRSA pic.twitter.com/MJ39GvQijB

— Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) November 24, 2024

TIME AWAY FROM LOVED ONE ONES

Bothe Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus have written autobiographies detailing how their professional lives often led them down the wrong paths.

In his 2023 autobiography Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby, the former Springbok reflected on his professional playing days and the “glamorous” life it entailed. An excerpt read: “I was basically a bachelor who was married.”

Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus have both ended their marriages in 2024. Images via X: @bokrugby
Naturally, becoming the coach of the Springboks meant spending more time away from home, and family life.

Last year, Siya Kolisi also released his autobiography Rise, in which he shared similar sentiments. He confessed to heavy drinking, frequenting strip clubs, and reckless spending.

WAS MARRIAGE THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO PAY?

While rugby fans are full of praise for Siya Kolisi, Rassie Erasmus, and the rest of the Springboks squad, some pointed out their success came with “sacrifice.” And that was time away from family, and, sadly, the demise of their marriages.

Facebook user Sindile Vabaza posted: “Rassie also got divorced this year…People get divorced, especially in high profile situations, because the pressure on marriages is completely different to what anonymous people face especially with all the time away from their spouses.”

Lester Pillay added: “ With the pressure of expectations of the sporting public, there is going to be strain, and something is going to break. I think if the success of the Springboks has have come at the destruction of these people’s lives, then I’m not so sure this was a great success. Marriage hard but it’s worth fighting for?”

Chumasande Sive Myendeki was frank with his opinion, adding: “Siya and Rassie sacrificed their marriages to get you guys another World Cup trophy.”