South African rugby superstar Siya Kolisi may have announced his divorce from his wife, Rachel Smith, but the Springbok captain has yet to make a significant change to his public identity. Despite parting ways with his wife after over a decade of marriage, Kolisi continues to list himself as a “husband” on his official social media profiles, leaving fans puzzled and, in some cases, questioning the timing and implications of his decision.
The 33-year-old, who is currently on tour with the South African men’s rugby team in the United Kingdom, has kept his personal life in the spotlight even as he focuses on his professional career. In a statement that rocked the South African public, Kolisi and Rachel, once viewed as one of the nation’s most beloved power couples, revealed their separation in a heartfelt announcement earlier this month. Fans were taken aback, as the couple had long been seen as pillars of family values, with their relationship regularly featured in media and on social platforms.
Despite the high-profile split, Kolisi’s social media bios still prominently include the title “husband,” alongside references to his roles as a “father” and “Christian.” His Instagram bio reads: “Christian, Husband, Father,” while his X (formerly Twitter) profile still describes him as “Professional Rugby Player. Husband & Dad.” To further the confusion, his Instagram profile picture remains a photo of him with Rachel.
Kolisi’s decision to keep the “husband” label has not gone unnoticed, and it’s sparking a wave of speculation among fans and the media. Some are questioning whether this is a subtle indication that the divorce process is still ongoing, while others suggest that Kolisi is simply choosing to hold on to the identity that he’s cultivated for over a decade. The fact that the couple is still in the midst of separating, rather than having finalised the divorce, may also explain why the Springbok captain has yet to adjust his status.
It’s not uncommon for public figures, especially those in high-profile relationships, to navigate the complexities of divorce while continuing to maintain a sense of normalcy and public identity. Kolisi’s situation is no different — his personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined, and his supporters have watched him grow from a national hero to an international icon. His private life, as a father, husband, and Christian, is part of the image he has long cultivated.
For many South Africans, Kolisi and Smith represented a fairytale of resilience and love. The couple was often seen as an embodiment of perseverance, with Rachel by Kolisi’s side through his rise from humble beginnings to World Cup glory in 2019. Their divorce, therefore, feels like the end of an era for many who admired their partnership.
