Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has publicly confirmed his relationship with Dutch influencer Rachel John, ending months of speculation around his private life.
The couple were spotted together during a holiday in Zimbabwe, where a short video shared on TikTok showed Kolisi and John boarding a ferry on the Zambezi River. In the clip, the pair smile and wave at a local rugby fan, who praises them as they pass.
This marks the first clear public appearance of the relationship. Kolisi, 35, separated from his wife, Rachel Kolisi, in late 2024 after eight years of marriage. The former couple share two children and announced their split in a joint statement at the time.
Rumours linking Kolisi to John began circulating last year after they were photographed together at a tennis match in Italy. Since then, the pair have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, despite being seen together during overseas rugby trips and visits to South Africa. Kolisi reportedly celebrated John’s 25th birthday with her in the Eastern Cape, and the Zimbabwe trip appears to be their first holiday together.
John has previously hinted at a romance on social media without naming Kolisi directly. In December, he commented on one of her Instagram posts with the words, “SA looks good on you,” further fuelling speculation.
Meanwhile, Rachel Kolisi is preparing to speak publicly through her newly launched initiative, Falling Forward. The movement will be introduced through a series of roadshows across the country, alongside screenings of a documentary bearing the same name. According to the project’s website, the documentary explores themes of identity, loss, healing, motherhood and rediscovery, reflecting on defining periods in her life following the separation.
Kolisi’s public confirmation of his new relationship signals a new chapter for the rugby star, who has remained one of South Africa’s most recognisable sporting figures both on and off the field.
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Featured Image: Instagram | siyakolisi & racheljohn
