This week, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi made headlines by announcing his divorce from his wife, Rachel, sparking widespread conversation among fans.
Known for their emphasis on family values, the Springboks have seen several of their high-profile members navigate difficult public breakups, including both past captains and current team members.
A Look Back at Other Springbok Leaders’ Divorces
Kolisi, who married Rachel in 2016 and shares two children with her, isn’t the first Springbok captain to experience a high-profile separation. Former captains Joost van der Westhuizen, Rassie Erasmus, and several other notable players also faced challenging divorces.
Joost van der Westhuizen’s divorce from Marlize in 2002 became well-known, and his subsequent separation from his second wife, Amor Vittone, made headlines around the time of his death in 2017.
Earlier this year, current Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus announced his split from his wife of 25 years, Nikki Erasmus, showing that even longtime relationships can end unexpectedly.
Other former Springbok players, like Andries Bekker, Jacques Potgieter, and James Dalton, have also faced difficult and public separations. In 2011, Bekker, after admitting to an affair during a national team briefing, experienced a public divorce.
Potgieter’s 2022 split from actress Angelique Gerber also sparked controversy, with allegations of infidelity surfacing through his social media. In 2007, James Dalton went through a messy and highly publicized divorce, with allegations of abuse that he denied.
A Glimpse at the Broader Impact
The trend of Springbok players and coaches facing complex relationship challenges reflects the high-stress and demanding nature of professional sports life. The upcoming November test matches will see Kolisi lead the Springboks into competition as a single man, marking a new chapter for the beloved captain.