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.

Siya Kolisi - Image 04 (July 13, 2026)

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:
  • Moderated Q&A | Rugby World Cup Champion
  • Audiences:
  • Corporate executives, leadership teams, sports organizations, educational institutions, and community groups seeking inspiration on leadership, resilience, and inclusion.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Understand how inclusive leadership unites teams and inspires performance.
    2. Learn practical lessons on perseverance and overcoming adversity.
    3. Discover how purpose-driven leadership can create meaningful social change.
6 min read
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Cape Town, SA
  • **US Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

  • 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.

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.

Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.

👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/

👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

Trevor Nyakane - Image 01 (April 30, 2026)

      He inspires teams to perform with resilience, unity, and adaptability.

      • Springbok Legend
      Jacques Nienaber - Image 01 (May 5, 2026)

          He builds high-performance teams through strategy, discipline, and execution.

          • Rugby Coach
          Philip Snyman - Image 01 (July 13, 2026)

              Building resilient teams that perform when the pressure is highest.

              • SA 7's Head Coach
              Dr. Rassie Erasmus - Image 01 (May 5, 2026)

                  He builds winning cultures through innovation, resilience, and leadership.

                  • Rugby Legend
                  Jean de Villiers - Image 05 (May 6, 2026)

                      He inspires resilience, leadership, and performance under pressure.

                      • Rugby Legend
                      Eben Etzebeth - Image 01 (July 13, 2026)

                          Leading with action, resilience, and uncompromising performance standards.

                          • Springbok Legend
                          John Smit - Image 02 (July 13, 2026)

                              Leading teams to perform together when success matters most.

                              • Rugby Legend
                              Ollie Phillips - Image 02 (June 25, 2026)

                                  He transforms elite sport into practical leadership lessons.

                                  • Sporting Legend
                                  Disclaimer
                                  The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

                                  These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

                                  Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

                                  All talent fees exclude travel and accommodation where required.

                                  Speakers Inc.

                                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                  © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

                                  AI Assistant
                                  Speakers Inc Logo 2024
                                  Privacy Overview

                                  This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.