Rachel Smith, born, is the ex-wife of the Springboks captain Siya Kolisi. Since falling in love with Siya, Rachel has seen her profile rise rapidly, with many fans wanting to know more about her.
Fast forward, and she became an international celebrity alongside the Springboks captain. Indeed, many fans attached Siya’s success to Rachel, and they looked inseparable.
Unfortunately, things turned south, and the two lovebirds went their separate ways. Surely, there is a lot to talk about Rachel in connection with Siya, but who exactly is Rachel Kolisi?
WHO IS RACHEL KOLISI?
Rachel Kolisi was born on 21 January 1990, and she turned 36 in 2026. Rachel was born in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The bubbly lady grew up in the Eastern Cape under the watch of her parents and grandparents.
Growing up, Rachel enrolled at Victoria Girls’ High School, where she completed her high school education. Rachel struggled academically, Rachel excelled in sports and other physical activities. Even though she struggled academically, she did not drop the ball and give up. She went on to study Events Management at Stellenbosch Hotel School.
After school, she worked as a Marketing and Events coordinator before she married Siya Kolisi. During her years studying at the Stellenbosch Hotel, Rachel met Siya Kolisi during a dinner in 2012.
The two fell in love, and their relationship became one of the most famous in world rugby. Growing up, Rachel and Siya Kolisi got engaged in 2015, an event celebrated by most rugby fans in South Africa.
INSIDE RACHEL AND SIYA KOLISI’S MARRIAGE (FAMILY, CHILDREN AND MORE)
After their engagement in 2015, Rachel and Siya threw a fancy black-tie wedding the following year, 2016. Many family members and rugby celebrities attended the event, celebrating with them.
Starting their family, Rachel and Siya welcomed their firstborn son, Nicholas Siyamthanda Kolisi. In the same year, they also took in Siya Kolisi’s young siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, to stay with them. They went on to have their second child, Keziah, in 2017, making them a family of four.
Since then, Rachel has grown in popularity as Siya Kolisi has gone on to win the Rugby World Cup twice. She became the most famous rugby WAG and the most followed on social media.
Unfortunately, not everything flowed in Rachel and Siya Kolisi’s relationship. Rachel found herself trending after shouting at a woman, accusing her of sending flirtatious messages to Siya Kolisi.
When fans imagined Rachel and Siya living happily ever after, with some idolising them, the two divorced in 2024.
RACHEL AND SIYA KOLISI’S DIVORCE
Surprising fans on Instagram, Rachel and Siya shared a joint statement about their mutual divorce.
“We wanted to share some important news with you. After much reflection and open conversations, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us.
“While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and committed partners in raising our children with the same love and care they’ve always known. We will also continue working together on the Foundation that means so much to us.
“We are grateful for the love, understanding, and support you’ve shown us, and we kindly ask for respect as we navigate this transition.
“With gratitude and love,
“Siya and Rachel,” the statement reads.
Even after the divorce, Rachel decided to keep the Kolisi name, a decision that shocked many fans. She, however, explained that she did it for the sake of her children.
Rachel cited how much their colour makes it difficult when travelling, as people always ask if they are her children.
RACHEL’S LIFE AFTER SIYA KOLISI’S DIVORCE
Indeed, it’s not been an easy time for Rachel since she divorced the Springboks captain. She went through tough times and had been open about her struggles.
Indeed, Rachel has healed and expressed how much happier she is now than ever before. She has since been taking serious strides with her Kolisi foundation, helping the young kids.
Besides the Kolisi Foundation, she also founded Falling Forward, together with her partner.
“Today, we launch Falling Forward, a story of honesty, resilience, and the beauty of becoming.
I have poured my heart into this journey, in the hopes that women, everywhere, can feel seen, heard, and connected. A movement begins today,” she expressed her joy, launching Falling Forward.