Siya Kolisi Unfollows Rachel’s Family on Instagram, Cutting Ties With Tatjana and Joel Smith
- Siya Kolisi’s recent Instagram unfollows have reignited public interest in the fallout from his split, with several members of his former wife’s family affected
- Growing online distance between the Springboks captain and people once considered close allies has fuelled speculation about shifting personal relationships
- Fresh dating rumours and subtle social media reactions have added another layer of intrigue to an already closely watched separation
- Briefly News spoke to relationship expert Paula Quinsee who shared how social media impacts public perception
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi sparked fresh family drama following his latest social media activity after unfollowing his former wife’s family on Instagram.
Source: Getty Images
Kolisi, who announced his divorce from Rachel Kolisi in a joint statement in 2024, had long been close to the Smith family. This included Rachel’s brother, Joel Smith, a sports agent, and his wife, former Olympic swimming star Tatjana Smith. Over the years, Siya was often seen interacting warmly with them both online and offline.
Siya Kolisi unfollows Rachel Kolisi’s family on Instagram
Since the separation, a gradual distance between Kolisi and the Smith family has become increasingly noticeable. Once-frequent social media interactions slowly faded, culminating in Kolisi unfollowing Tatjana Smith, a move she reportedly mirrored. Three of Rachel Kolisi’s sisters have also since been unfollowed, signalling a clear shift in dynamics.
The developments come amid swirling, unconfirmed rumours that the Springboks skipper has moved on and is allegedly dating Dutch influencer Rachel John. John was reportedly spotted alongside Kolisi at the ATP Finals in Italy in November and is said to have spent time with several Springboks WAGs during the Quilter Nations Series in Dublin, when South Africa faced Ireland.
Source: Getty Images
Rachel Kolisi and Saskia Snyman fuel social media fallout
Rachel Kolisi has also been drawn into the unfolding drama after allegedly reacting to the dating rumours. Reports suggested that RG Snyman’s wife, Saskia Snyman, is a close friend of John, adding another layer to the speculation. Shortly afterwards, Rachel Kolisi unfollowed Saskia, further intensifying online attention.
Rachel later shared a cryptic Instagram post referencing “fake friends”, which some followers interpreted as a subtle jab directed at Saskia, though no names were mentioned.
The shift is stark when compared to their past online relationship. Rachel frequently liked Saskia’s posts, while Saskia regularly appeared in Rachel’s comments with heart emojis and words of support.
That once-friendly image now appears to belong to another chapter. What initially seemed like an amicable separation has taken a more dramatic turn, with the Kolisis’ split increasingly playing out in the public eye and entering what many observers are calling a far messier phase.
Amid social media tension, Rachel has been spending quality time with her children, Keziah and Nicholas. She regularly shares these special moments online, earning admiration from South Africans for her dedication and mothering.Her efforts were also praised by Tatjana, who commended Rachel for flying with the children to France in early November when Siya earned his 100th test cap.
Source: Instagram
Relationship expert Paula Quinsee shared that private relationship issues, like a divorce or conflict, don’t stay private anymore, especially for public figures like Siya and Rachel Kolisi.
Paula Quinsee emphasised that when well-known people go through a breakup or dispute, it often becomes part of their public brand, not just a personal matter. That exposure can damage their image, lead to lost endorsements or sponsorships, and even cause fans to withdraw support, which then affects their career and income.
SA Rugby approves new school laws
Briefly News previously reported that SA Rugby has updated tackling laws in school and club rugby to make the sport safer for young players.
The decision was made just days after the tragic passing of a young rugby star at Westering High School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
Source: Briefly News
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.
Paula Quinsee (Certified Relationship Therapy Educator and founder of Engaged Humans) Paula Quinsee is the founder of Engaged Humans, facilitating connection between individuals and organisations to create a more human-connected world. She is a certified Imago Relationship Therapy educator and facilitator, NLP practitioner, PDA analyst, coach and trainer. Paula is also the author of two self-help guides - Embracing Conflict and Embracing No - as well as an international speaker, advocate for mental health and activist for gender-based violence.
