defining moments of his life came long before international success and global fame.
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At the age of 23, Kolisi adopted his younger brother and sister following the death of his mother, stepping into a parental role while still trying to establish himself in professional rugby.
Kolisi’s mother, Phakama Kolisi, passed away after suffering a stroke, a tragedy that deeply affected the future Springboks captain and his family. Her death left the family facing uncertainty, and Kolisi made the life-changing decision to care for his younger siblings himself.
Despite the emotional and financial pressure that came with the responsibility, he refused to allow his family to be separated.
At the time, Kolisi’s rugby career was only beginning to rise. Having grown up in Zwide in the Eastern Cape, he had already overcome enormous challenges to reach professional rugby.
He earned a scholarship to Grey High School in Port Elizabeth before joining the youth structures at the Stormers and Western Province. In 2013, the same year he adopted his siblings, Kolisi made his debut for the South Africa national rugby union team against Scotland.
Balancing international rugby with family responsibilities was not easy, but Kolisi’s determination and maturity quickly stood out.
Those experiences helped shape the leader he would later become. In 2018, he made history by becoming the first black captain of the Springboks, before leading South Africa to Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
Away from rugby, family remains at the centre of Kolisi’s life. Through the Kolisi Foundation, he continues to support disadvantaged communities across South Africa, using his platform to create opportunities for others. His story is powerful because it goes beyond rugby success — it is about resilience, sacrifice, and stepping up when family needed him most.
The highest-paid Springboks (Ranked 6-1)
This list breaks down the highest paid Springboks, highlighting their clubs, impact on the game, and what sets them apart financially and on the pitch.
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6 Damian de Allende (£460,000 – Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)
A model of consistency in the Springbok midfield, Damian de Allende has been well rewarded since moving to Japan. Comfortable at centre and occasionally on the wing, his powerful running and defensive reliability make him a key asset wherever he plays.
De Allende was part of South Africa’s historic World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, placing him among the elite group of players to have lifted the trophy twice. His contract with Panasonic Wild Knights reflects both his experience at the highest level and his enduring value to the Springbok setup.
5 Handré Pollard (600,000 – Vodacom Bulls, South Africa)
Still regarded as one of the world’s premier fly-halves, Handré Pollard commands a salary befitting his reputation. Although he accepted a pay cut during his time at Leicester Tigers, he remained among rugby’s top earners before returning to South Africa to play for the Bulls.
Pollard famously started in the 2019 World Cup final victory, where he also featured at inside centre, underlining his tactical importance to the Springboks. With spells in Japan, France, England and South Africa, he is one of a select group of players to have won multiple Rugby World Cups.
