Siya Kolisi Biography: Age, Childhood in Zwide, Springbok Captain and Two World Cups
Siya Kolisi Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Siyamthanda Kolisi |
| Date of birth | 16 June 1991 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Eastern Cape |
| Grew up in | Zwide township |
| School | Grey High School, Gqeberha |
| Position | Flanker (loose forward) |
| Height | 1.86 m |
| Current club | Stormers (from 2026) |
| Springbok captain since | 28 May 2018 |
| Rugby World Cup wins | 2019 and 2023 |
Early Life in Zwide
Siya Kolisi grew up in Zwide, a township in Port Elizabeth. His mother was 16 when he was born. She died when he was 15, and his grandmother raised him.
At 12, he played at a youth tournament in Mossel Bay and impressed the scouts. He got a scholarship to Grey Junior and then a rugby scholarship to Grey High School, one of South Africa’s best-known rugby schools.
Rugby Career
| Years | Team |
|---|---|
| 2007 to 2009 | Eastern Province Kings (youth) |
| 2011 to 2021 | Western Province |
| 2012 to 2020 | Stormers |
| 2021 to 2023 | Sharks |
| 2023 to 2024 | Racing 92 (France) |
| 2024 to 2026 | Sharks |
| 2026 onwards | Stormers |
He first played for the Springboks in 2013. He became captain of the Stormers in February 2017.
First Black Springbok Captain
On 28 May 2018, Siya Kolisi was named captain of the Springboks. He was the first black player to captain the team in its 126-year history. Many South Africans saw it as an important moment for the country, not only for rugby.
Two Rugby World Cups
| Year | Final | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 (Japan) | South Africa v England | South Africa won |
| 2023 (France) | South Africa v New Zealand | South Africa won |
With the 2023 win in Paris, he became only the second captain to win the Rugby World Cup twice in a row. South Africa now has four Rugby World Cup titles.
Honours
- National Order of Ikhamanga, awarded by the South African government in April 2023 for his contribution to rugby.
- Named in New African magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Africans in 2019.
Siya Kolisi in 2026
In 2026 Siya Kolisi returned to the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship. He also continues as Springbok captain. The Springboks play Italy, France and Ireland in November 2026. See the Springboks fixtures for November 2026.
Siya Kolisi Questions
How old is Siya Kolisi?
He was born on 16 June 1991, so he is 35 years old in 2026.
Where is Siya Kolisi from?
Zwide, a township in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape.
Which team does Siya Kolisi play for?
The Stormers, from 2026, and the Springboks, whom he captains.
How many World Cups has Siya Kolisi won?
Two, in 2019 and 2023, both as captain.
Who was the first black Springbok captain?
Siya Kolisi became the first black Springbok Test captain on 28 May 2018.
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