Siya Kolisi

Siyamthanda Kolisi
Kolisi playing for South Africa in 2022
Full nameSiyamthanda Kolisi
Date of birth (1991-06-16) 16 June 1991 (age 33)
Place of birthPort Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, Republic of South Africa
Height1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Weight105 kg (231 lb; 16 st 7 lb)[1]
SchoolGrey High School
Notable relative(s)Tatjana Smith (sister-in-law)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Loose forward
Current team Sharks[2]
Youth career
2007–2009 Eastern Province Kings
2010–2012 Western Province
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011–2021 Western Province 34 (35)
2012–2020 Stormers 118 (95)
2021–2023 Sharks 31 (20)
2023–2024 Racing 92 18 (5)
2024– Sharks 1 (5)
Correct as of 19 September 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–2011 South Africa U20 8 (10)
2013– South Africa 89 (60)
Correct as of 30 September 2024
Medal record
Men's Rugby 15's
Representing  South Africa
Rugby World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2015 England Squad
Gold medal – first place 2019 Japan Squad
Gold medal – first place 2023 France Squad

Siyamthanda "Siya" Kolisi OIG, (born 16 June 1991) is a South African professional rugby union player who currently captains the South Africa national team. Having formerly played for the Stormers and Racing 92, he currently plays for Sharks in the URC.[3][4][5] He generally plays as a flanker and a loose forward.[6][7] In 2018, Kolisi was appointed captain of the Springboks, becoming the first black man to hold the position[8][9] and eventually leading the South African Rugby team to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England,[10] and again in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand.

In December 2019, Kolisi was named in New African magazine's list of 100 Most Influential Africans. In April 2023, Kolisi was bestowed the National Order of Ikhamanga by the South African Government for his contributions to rugby.[11][12] In October 2023, Siya Kolisi captained South Africa to a historic fourth Rugby World Cup in Paris, France, and became only the second captain to win the title back-to-back. Kolisi is one of 44 players who have won the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions and one of 25 South Africans to do so.

  1. ^ a b rugbybworldcup.com. "Siya Kolisi (South-africa)". www.rugbyworldcup.com. rugbyworldcup.com. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  2. ^ Mjikeliso, Sibusiso. "Siya Kolisi reveals Dan Carter's influence in decision to join Racing 92". News24 Sport. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  3. ^ "Siya Kolisi WP Rugby Player Profile". WP Rugby. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  4. ^ "Siya Kolisi Stormers Player Profile". Stormers. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  5. ^ "SIYA KOLISI IS OFFICIALLY A SHARK". The Sharks. 17 February 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  6. ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – Siya Kolisi". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  7. ^ "Siya Kolisi itsrugby.co.uk Player Statistics". itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  8. ^ Jones, Chris (9 June 2018). "South Africa v England: Siya Kolisi - the Springboks captain uniting a country". BBC Sport/BBC Radio 5 Live. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  9. ^ "Rugby World Cup final: Siya Kolisi, South Africa's first black captain & legacy of 1995". BBC Sport. 30 October 2019.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference brissy was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Hemmonsbey, Keanan (28 April 2023). "OFF FIELD RECOGNITION: Injured Kolisi honoured with National Order of Ikhamanga". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  12. ^ Khumalo, Juniour. "Siya Kolisi, Desiree Ellis, Tracy Chapman among 32 bestowed national orders by Ramaphosa". News24. Retrieved 2 May 2023.