Siya Kolisi: Rugby Legend
Siya Kolisi is the first black captain of South Africa’s Springboks, a Rugby World Cup–winning leader, and a global voice for resilience, unity, and social change.
Quick Facts:
- First black captain of the Springboks, making history in 2018.
- Two-time Rugby World Cup–winning captain (2019 and 2023) — the first South African to achieve this feat.
- Founder of the Kolisi Foundation, driving equality and empowerment in South Africa.
- Recognized in the Forbes Africa 100 Most Influential Africans (2021) list.
- Formats:
Keynote speaker (30–60 minutes), fireside chats, leadership conversations.
- Audiences:
Corporate executives, leadership teams, sports organizations, educational institutions, and community groups seeking inspiration on leadership, resilience, and inclusion.
- Outcomes:
- Understand how inclusive leadership unites teams and inspires performance.
- Learn practical lessons on perseverance and overcoming adversity.
- Discover how purpose-driven leadership can create meaningful social change.
- Travels from: Durban, SA
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
Available for:
- Moderated Q&A
- Fireside Chats
Talent Short Bio
Siya Kolisi’s journey from humble beginnings in Zwide, South Africa, to lifting the 2019 Rugby World Cup trophy as captain of the Springboks is a story that has inspired millions around the world. As the first black player to captain South Africa’s national rugby team, Kolisi stands as a symbol of transformation, perseverance, and hope in a nation still healing from its divided past.
Kolisi’s rugby talent was evident early in life, leading him to represent South Africa at the under-20 level before making his senior debut in 2013 against Scotland — a match in which he earned Man of the Match honors.
Off the field, Siya Kolisi continues to lead through action. Alongside his wife, Rachel, he co-founded the Kolisi Foundation, dedicated to tackling inequality, food insecurity, gender-based violence, and education challenges in underserved communities. His leadership extends beyond rugby, inspiring new generations to pursue excellence with purpose.
Named to the Forbes Africa 100 Most Influential Africans in 2021, Kolisi embodies courage, authenticity, and compassion. His message — grounded in humility and conviction — resonates with audiences seeking lessons in teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility.
Read Full Bio
Siya Kolisi’s story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. As the first black captain of the Springboks, he not only led the team to historic victories but also became a beacon of change in a nation with a complex past. His leadership on and off the field exemplifies the power of sports to unite and inspire.
Kolisi’s rugby journey began in his youth, showcasing talent that led him to represent South Africa at the under-20 level in the 2010 and 2011 IRB Junior World Championships. He made his senior debut for the Springboks on June 15, 2013, against Scotland, earning the Man of the Match award.
In 2018, Kolisi made history by becoming the first black player to captain the Springboks in a Test match. His leadership was pivotal in South Africa’s triumph at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where they defeated England 32–12 in the final, marking the nation’s third World Cup win. Kolisi’s captaincy was lauded for uniting a diverse team and inspiring a nation.
Beyond the field, Siya Kolisi’s commitment to social issues is evident through the Kolisi Foundation, established in 2020 with his wife, Rachel. The foundation focuses on addressing inequality in South Africa, tackling issues like gender-based violence, food insecurity, and education, particularly in under-resourced areas such as Zwide.
Event planners seeking a speaker who embodies leadership, resilience, and social responsibility will find Siya Kolisi to be an exceptional choice. His journey from adversity to leading a nation to World Cup glory offers invaluable lessons on overcoming challenges, embracing diversity, and effecting positive change.
Kolisi’s authenticity and ability to connect with audiences make him a compelling speaker. His insights into teamwork, perseverance, and community upliftment resonate across various sectors, inspiring individuals and organizations to strive for excellence and inclusivity.
Siya Kolisi’s remarkable career and personal journey exemplify the transformative power of sports and leadership. From making history on the rugby field to championing social causes, his story inspires and motivates. Booking Kolisi for speaking engagements offers audiences a unique perspective on achieving greatness against the odds and the importance of giving back to the community.
Kolisi was also named in the Forbes Africa 2021 list of 100 most influential Africans.
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Talent Videos
Siya Kolisi – A Hero’s Story | Carte Blanche | M-Net
In this 8-minute feature from Carte Blanche, Siya Kolisi shares his remarkable journey from childhood in Zwide to leading South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory — a story of resilience, unity, and leadership that transcends sport.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
In A Hero’s Story, Carte Blanche profiles Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s first black rugby captain and two-time Rugby World Cup–winning leader, offering an intimate look at his life, challenges, and triumphs. The segment opens with Kolisi reflecting on his early years growing up in the township of Zwide, where poverty and limited opportunities shaped his character and drive. Through humility and determination, he rose through the ranks of school and provincial rugby, proving his talent and leadership from a young age.
The feature captures his historic rise to captain the Springboks in 2018, a milestone that symbolized transformation and hope for a nation still overcoming deep divisions. Kolisi speaks candidly about the responsibility of representing South Africa and how his leadership philosophy centers on empathy, humility, and service.
Footage from the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories highlights his powerful role in uniting teammates and inspiring a nation. Former players, coaches, and commentators describe Kolisi as a leader who leads by example — grounded, authentic, and fiercely committed to his team.
The piece also delves into Kolisi’s work beyond rugby through the Kolisi Foundation, founded with his wife Rachel. The foundation’s mission to tackle inequality, gender-based violence, and food insecurity reflects Kolisi’s belief that leadership extends far beyond the field.
Throughout the segment, scenes of Kolisi’s interactions with fans and community members underline his deep connection to the people of South Africa. His message is clear: greatness is not measured by trophies, but by the impact one has on others.
The feature closes with Kolisi reflecting on his purpose — to inspire future generations to believe that no matter where they come from, their dreams are valid. His story stands as a testament to perseverance, unity, and the transformative power of leadership.
Key Moments
- 01:26–03:20 – Rise through school rugby and early professional success.
- 03:21–05:00 – Becoming the first black Springbok captain and 2019 triumph.
- 05:01–06:45 – 2023 World Cup victory and global recognition.
- 06:46–07:50 – The Kolisi Foundation and his community mission.
- 07:51–08:38 – Closing reflections on leadership, unity, and purpose.
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