Did Siya Kolisi’s Springboks success come at expense of his marriage?
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus have undoubtedly had one of the best years of their lives on the professional front. But sadly, their personal lives have made headlines over their high-profile divorces.
In April, Rassie called time on his 25-year marriage to his wife, with whom he shares three children. Last month, South Africans were heartbroken after Siya and wife Rachel – parents to two children and legal guardians over his siblings – also announced their separation.
Has their success taken a toll on their family life?
SIYA KOLISI AND RASSIE ERASMUS LAUDED OVER SPRINGBOKS SUCCESS
On Saturday, 23 November, the Springboks ended their 2024 test match series on a high note after a 45-12 victory against Wales.
The latest win closes a chapter of many – 11 out of 13 this year, to be exact.
It also secured South Africa’s number-one ranking in the world!
On social media, rugby fans thanked Siya Kolisi for being the best Springbok captain the country has ever seen. Many even claimed that the “golden era” was indicative that the squad was the best performing in the history of test rugby.
Others lauded coach Rassie Erasmus for his commitment to creating depth, developing new talent, and, of course, his strategic moves on and off the pitch.
TIME AWAY FROM LOVED ONE ONES
Bothe Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus have written autobiographies detailing how their professional lives often led them down the wrong paths.
In his 2023 autobiography Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby, the former Springbok reflected on his professional playing days and the “glamorous” life it entailed. An excerpt read: “I was basically a bachelor who was married.”
Naturally, becoming the coach of the Springboks meant spending more time away from home, and family life.
Last year, Siya Kolisi also released his autobiography Rise, in which he shared similar sentiments. He confessed to heavy drinking, frequenting strip clubs, and reckless spending.
WAS MARRIAGE THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO PAY?
While rugby fans are full of praise for Siya Kolisi, Rassie Erasmus, and the rest of the Springboks squad, some pointed out their success came with “sacrifice.” And that was time away from family, and, sadly, the demise of their marriages.
Facebook user Sindile Vabaza posted: “Rassie also got divorced this year…People get divorced, especially in high profile situations, because the pressure on marriages is completely different to what anonymous people face especially with all the time away from their spouses.”
Lester Pillay added: “ With the pressure of expectations of the sporting public, there is going to be strain, and something is going to break. I think if the success of the Springboks has have come at the destruction of these people’s lives, then I’m not so sure this was a great success. Marriage hard but it’s worth fighting for?”
Chumasande Sive Myendeki was frank with his opinion, adding: “Siya and Rassie sacrificed their marriages to get you guys another World Cup trophy.”
DO YOU THINK SIYA KOLISI AND RASSIE ERASMUS SACRIFICED THEIR MARRIAGES FOR THE SPRINGBOKS?
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