Kolisi family bid South Africa adieu for new chapter in Paris

written by Savanna Douglas July 20, 2023

The Kolisi family are about to bid SA adieu as they spend their last month on home grounds before entering a new chapter in Paris, as Siya joins French rugby club Racing 92.

Rachel Kolisi – Siya’s wife and mom to their two biological children – took to Instagram on Wednesday expressing that the Kolisi family have reached their last month in SA before their big move to the City of Love in France. She writes:

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and experience, but in the same breath devastated because I love SA with my whole heart. And I love living here.”

The family shared that they would be relocating to Paris in January earlier this year, adding that they would make the move after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as Siya’s contract with the Cell C Sharks comes to an end.

Despite their move abroad, the Rachel and Siya remain committed to supporting SA communities through their foundation, future partnerships and fundraising efforts.

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A post shared by Kolisi Foundation (@kolisi_foundation)

A press release by the Kolisi Foundation reads:

“The Kolisi Foundation is excited at the announcement that our co-founders, Siya and Rachel Kolisi, will be moving to France after the Rugby World Cup later this year to join Racing 92 in Paris.”

“Although we will miss Siya and Rachel’s physical presence in the communities in South Africa, our co-founders will continue to work effortlessly in France, and the rest of Europe, on fundraising efforts and establishing new partnerships. We are excited at the opportunities that will arise from their move.”

Rachel has previously posted about the the search for a new home and schools for their two children, Nicholas and Keziah, in Paris, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Her most recent post reads:

“Juggling A LOT at the moment, and the furthest thing from being ready for a move overseas. Also just found out we’re running into more joy in the visa department”

Instagram / @rachelkolisi

She continues:

“I had a great conversation with someone this week and she told me this: ‘identify which balls can drop and bounce back up and which ones would break if they dropped and focus on those.'”

Siya has expressed his excitement towards the new chapter together in Paris, and gratitude towards Rachel’s undying support in a statement posted on Twitter:

“Rachel and the kids have sacrificed so much throughout my career and I am immeasurably grateful for this. The move to Racing 92 will enable me to spend more time with my family, which is something I have longed for, and this prospect played a significant part in my decision-making,”

My statement on joining @racing92 after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. pic.twitter.com/bxR8YOkA54
— Siya Kolisi (@SiyaKolisi) January 3, 2023

With just under a month left in SA, we wish the Kolisi family all the best!

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Feature Image: Instagram / @rachelkolisi