Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, issued a joint statement on Tuesday in which they announced that they would be parting ways.

The couple’s statement was released on Instagram and they confirmed that they have come to an agreement to start divorce proceedings after being married since 2016.

“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,” read the statement.

‘We remain great friends and committed partners’

“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 your respect as we navigate this transition.

“With gratitude and love, Siya and Rachel.”

The popular couple met in 2012 at a dinner party following a rugby match at Newlands and tied the knot in August 2016. They have two children and adopted Kolisi‘s younger brother and sister following the passing of the Bok captain’s mother.

The 33-year-old has represented South Africa in 89 Tests and captained the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in Japan in 2019 and France last year.

Returned to South Africa prematurely from France

The news of the Kolisi’s separation comes after they returned to South Africa prematurely from France after the back-row agreed a mutual termination of his three-year contract at Top 14 club Racing 92 following just one season with the Parisian outfit.

Kolisi joined Racing 92 shortly after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and endured an indifferent season with injuries and international duties hampering his progress at the club.

The situation between the Springboks great and the club became tense when Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti said Kolisi had “gained weight, lost shape and was transparent” towards the latter part of the 2023/24 season.

Last month it was confirmed that Kolisi would move back to his former club the Sharks and he made his return for the Durban-based side last Saturday in their 28-24 URC victory over Glasgow Warriors.

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Big Picture: Springboks Assistant Coach Tony Brown Open Up What it’s Like Alongside Erasmus

Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown has revealed what’s like to be part of the world champions’ backroom staff under the guidance of head coach Rassie Erasmus.

Brown, who made 18 Test appearances at fly-half for New Zealand from 1999 to 2001, had the opportunity to join current All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s coaching team at the start of the year but opted to join the Springboks’ set-up under Erasmus’ mentorship.

This was due to his loyalty to his friend Jamie Joseph who was passed over for the All Blacks’ head coaching position.

Improved the Springboks’ attack

Since joining South Africa‘s coaching staff, Brown has worked wonders with their attack and the Springboks have employed a more expansive game-plan.

The 49-year-old said he has made some interesting discoveries during his time with the four-time world champions and expanded on his role within the team.

“Just the amount of talent that they hav9e you know probably untapped talent as well I think that you know over the last two World Cups they’ve been a real physical side, they’ve been relying on their defensive game and the ability to physically grind a team down,” he said on The Breakdown.

“So now that we want to try and get a bit more expansive with our attacking game I’ve found that the talent is definitely there and it’s untapped and the potential of where we can go is you know it could be huge.”

The Boks have earned a reputation for being very innovative under Erasmus in recent years and Brown revealed that although the head coach always looks at the bigger picture, in terms of being successful at Rugby World Cups, it will not be at the expense of winning Tests.

Rassie has a four-year plan

“Yeah I always think Rassie has a four-year plan around getting ready for the World Cup but I think like any nation no one wants to lose Test matches you know,” he said.

“I don’t think we want to sacrifice any games but we definitely want to try a few different things and try different players. Try and build the squad so we’ve got a number of different guys in different positions that can play the best teams in the world.

“So that’s definitely been a massive focus but I’m a competitive guy and the Springboks are one of the best teams in the world and they definitely don’t want to lose a Test match by I guess trying or throwing someone in there that they don’t believe can play at that level.”

Erasmus‘ success with the team is well documented although he has been in trouble with the game’s authorities due to his off-field antics, especially on social media.

Brown was asked whether Erasmus is crazy or a genius in his approach to the game, and whether he has free rein to unleash the untapped talent.

“I just think he’s an exceptional coach,” he said.

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You know the players love the way that he coaches them. He’s so honest when he speaks to the players, when he gets the best out of the players and you know I think all the best coaches in the world have the ability to get the potential out of a team.

“Rassie is no different you know and the players love playing for him.”