Springboks Captain Siya Kolisi Lights Up After Meeting Carlos Alcaraz

Springboks Captain Siya Kolisi Lights Up After Meeting Carlos Alcaraz

  • Siya Kolisi shared a light-hearted moment with tennis star Carlos Alcaraz during the Springboks’ stop in Italy
  • Fans lit up social media with affectionate reactions to the captain’s joyful exchange
  • The Springboks now shift focus to their season-closing showdown against Ireland in Dublin

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi shared an endearing moment in Torino on Saturday, 15 November 2025, when he met World Number 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Kolisi was fresh from the win against Italy in Turin earlier and was in the company of fellow Boks players.

The tennis star had just come off an ATP Finals semi-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, and he singled Kolisi out in the crowd for a greeting.

Siya Kolisi, Springboks, South Africa, All Blacks, New Zealand
Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Freedom Cup after winning the Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and South Africa at Sky Stadium on September 13, 2025. Photo: Hagen Hopkins
Source: Getty Images

The 34-year-old made his 100th Test cap in last weekend's win over France in Paris and was also included in the lineup to face the Azzurri.

Kolisi’s reaction was pure joy, laughing, grinning and looking as if the brief interaction had nearly swept him off his feet. Fans quickly picked up on the moment, flooding social media with warm, amused and affectionate responses.

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On X (formerly Twitter), @RaynoWG remarked:

“He seems to be indulging sarcastically 🤔.”

Another user, @pre54151, added:

“Siya is such an awesome human being and a fantastic rugby player.”

@JohnHol86539763 echoed the sentiment:

“Humble, respectful dude, that’s why the world loves him 🤷.”

A delighted @Biejanka4 wrote:

“Love him so much. Our boy deserves all the happiness that this world can offer him 🤗.”

Sophia (@Sophiaa2010) chimed in with:

“Siya Kolisi’s middle name is ‘always happy’. He lives life to enjoy it.”

Watch the clip below:

Other users revelled in the moment. “I really, really love this,” said @ZeeBurke80564, while @LithaEricsson praised Kolisi’s consistency:

“He came to you as he should. Recently watched Siya’s debut for the Boks vs Scotland. Bro has been cooking since day 1.”

Winsome Meyer (@Mummywin) summed up the mood:

“He is so adorable!”
Springboks, Argentina, Rugby Championship, South Africa
Damian Willemse lifts and celebrates with the trophy during The Rugby Championship match between South Africa Springboks and Argentina at Allianz Stadium on October 4, 2025. Photo: Sebastian Frej
Source: Getty Images

Springboks prepare for Ireland clash

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Away from the cameras, the Springboks have shifted their focus to their final Test of the year: a blockbuster clash against Ireland in Dublin.

Franco Mostert’s controversial red card, the team’s second lock dismissal in as many matches, has added pressure as Rassie Erasmus and his staff fine-tune preparations.

South Africa face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 22 November, with kick-off set for 19:40.

Watch the clip below:

Alcaraz ends season as world number 1

Despite falling to home favourite Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s ATP Finals decider, Carlos Alcaraz will finish the year ranked World Number 1.

The Spaniard and Sinner dominated the men’s game throughout the season, sharing all four Grand Slam titles. Alcaraz claimed Roland Garros and the US Open, defeating Sinner in both finals. Sinner hit back by beating Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open and overcoming Alcaraz in a gripping Wimbledon final.

Alcaraz ends his campaign with eight singles titles, including Masters 1000 victories in Monte Carlo, Rome and Cincinnati, as well as ATP 500 wins in Rotterdam, Queen’s and Rome.

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Springboks vs Italy: Broadcast details and match schedule

Erasmus on bold substitution vs France

Briefly News also reported that Eramus explained the reason behind his bold substitution in South Africa's victory over France.

The South African rugby coach decided to sub off some of the team's veterans, including captain Siya Kolisi, who was making his 100th Test cap in the match.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.