Will Rachel Kolisi support Siya Kolisi at the Springboks vs Barbarians clash?
The Kolisi family has long been synonymous with the Springboks, frequently seen in the stands cheering for the green and gold team.
Image: Instagram
As excitement builds for the historic encounter between the Springboks and the Barbarians on Saturday, questions swirl around whether Rachel Kolisi will join the crowd at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
This match, the first of its kind on South African soil, not only marks a pivotal moment for rugby fans but places Rachel squarely in the public eye as she navigates her high-profile divorce from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
The Kolisi family has been a staple at Springbok matches in previous years, with Rachel and their four children routinely cheering from the stands.
However, following the announcement of their divorce last year, which was described as a mutual decision founded on respect and a shared commitment to parenthood, the dynamics have shifted.
In the past, Rachel has not shied away from expressing her pride in Siya's achievements, including the Springboks’ triumphant World Cup victory in 2019.
In an interview on the "Wide Awake" podcast in 2022, she reflected on that unforgettable final, describing it as "one of the most special moments in my life".
"Winning, of course, was amazing, but also just being a part of an event like that is such a privilege. You know, in 2007 when we won the previous World Cup, I was 17 years old, I remember exactly where I was sitting, who I was watching with, what we did after the game. I remembered all of that, and it was just surreal to me that in 2019, just 12 years later, I was going to be watching a World Cup final again, but this time married to the Springbok captain, with my children there.
"It's just crazy what happens in life. You never know where life will take you and what God has in store for you.
She continued: "What was important for me (during that time) was to create a space for Siya where he felt normal even in all this chaos ... Just a space where he can have to decompress."
Siya Kolisi with Rachel and children Nicholas and Keziah.
Image: File.
Meanwhile, the upcoming match against the Barbarians stands as a historic occasion, marking their first meeting on South African soil.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has emphasised the importance of the event as a chance to sharpen strategies ahead of an intense international rugby season.
With Italy and Georgia waiting in the wings for matches next month, the urgency to solidify game plans is crucial.
Additionally, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw looming at the end of this year, positioning within the world rankings as December 2025 approaches is of paramount importance for the Springboks.
As the weekend draws near, the sports world awaits not just the outcome of the match but also the potential sight of Rachel donning her green and gold jersey, standing proud in the stands.