Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi is a giant of South African rugby and one of the finest loose forwards to ever play the game. He was the first black captain of the Springboks and he captained his side to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023. 

Siya Kolisi started his professional rugby career in 2011, when he made his debut for the Western Province. He’d previously also represented the side (and Eastern Province Kings) during his junior career. Ever since, he’s represented many of the world’s top sides, including the Stormers (2012-2020), the Sharks (2021-23) and Racing 92 (2023-24). In 2024, after a brief stint in France, he returned to South Africa and the Sharks. 

Although he’s been incredibly impressive domestically, Siya Kolisi has saved his best performances for South Africa, who he has captained since 2018. During his captaincy, the Springboks have won back-to-back Rugby World Cups and multiple The Rugby Championship titles. 

Outside of rugby, Siya Kolisi is widely regarded to be one of the most influential African men on the planet. He (alongside his now ex-wife) announced the launch of the Kolisi Foundation in 2020. The foundation aims to change the narratives of inequality in South Africa. 

One of only 44 players to win multiple Rugby World Cups, Siya Kolisi’s influence extends far beyond the rugby field. We can’t wait to see what else he can achieve in the game and via his charitable foundation.