As in many divorces, sides are often chosen. And it is no surprise that sadly the same thing has happened to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, who recently announced his marriage breakup.

While the rugby player is likely to have the support of his colleagues and fans, Rachel will no doubt have her nearest and dearest to help her through this difficult time.

RACHEL KOLISI: MEET HER LOOKING BROTHERS

Rachel Kolisi, whose maiden name is Smith, is likely to lean on her family during her divorce from her husband, Siya.

This includes his well-known brother, sports agent Joel Smith, who is married to retired swimmer Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker).

Rachel also has three similar sisters: HR executive Hannah Tagicakibau, who is married to New Zealand-born rugby player Sailosi Tagicakibua; Cape Town-based interior designer Tabitha Parkin; and Sarah Kispert, who lives in the United States.

The sisters, who bear a striking resemblance to each other, were “groom’s wives” at their brother Joel’s wedding last year. The four women wore matching outfits.

HER PARENTS’ DIVORCE LEADED HER TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Rachel’s parents, Deborah Jamieson and Clive Smith, divorced when she was a teenager.

While Clive remained in South Africa, Rachel’s mother moved to New Zealand.

Speaking in the Mpoomy Ledwaba Podcast In 2021, Rachel reflected on her parents’ difficult marriage breakup.

She said: “I know everyone in their teens has their own struggles. Mine were due to my parents’ divorce, and we were all involved in that process and dragged into the middle of it a lot.

He continued: “My parents’ divorce was really challenging; I got lost a lot and found myself in unhealthy friendship circles. They were like, ‘If you’re having a bad day, let’s have a drink or smoke,’ and that’s the environment I found myself in, and it just spirals. Depression does that.

“I was in a hole and I just wanted someone to come down a ladder or a rope.”

Shortly after, Rachel attempted suicide. He continued: “At 15 years old I tried to take my own life. “I spent two or three years cutting myself and crying out for help, but I couldn’t find it.”

In the years that followed, Rachel learned to prioritize her mental health. Following her divorce announcement last month, the mother of two revealed she was on a “healing journey.”

DO YOU THINK RACHEL KOLISI HAS A GOOD SUPPORT STRUCTURE?

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