Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi and wife Rachel announce their ...

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, issued a joint statement on Tuesday in which they announced that they would be parting ways.

The couple’s statement was released on Instagram and they confirmed that they have come to an agreement to start divorce proceedings after being married since 2016.

“We wanted to share some important news with you. After much reflection and open conversations, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us,” read the statement.

“While our relationship as a couple is changing, we remain great friends and committed partners in raising our children with the same love and care they’ve always known. We will also continue working together on the Foundation that means so much to us.

“We are grateful for the love, understanding, and support you’ve shown us, and we kindly ask for your respect as we navigate this transition.

“With gratitude and love, Siya and Rachel.”

Springboks squad: Rassie Erasmus recalls four World Cup winners as ‘several unlucky players’ miss out

The popular couple met in 2012 at a dinner party following a rugby match at Newlands and tied the knot in August 2016. They have two children and adopted Kolisi‘s younger brother and sister following the passing of the Bok captain’s mother.

The 33-year-old has represented South Africa in 89 Tests and captained the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in Japan in 2019 and France last year.

The news of the Kolisi’s separation comes after they returned to South Africa prematurely from France after the back-row agreed a mutual termination of his three-year contract at Top 14 club Racing 92 following just one season with the Parisian outfit.

Kolisi joined Racing 92 shortly after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and endured an indifferent season with injuries and international duties hampering his progress at the club.

The situation between the Springboks great and the club became tense when Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti said Kolisi had “gained weight, lost shape and was transparent” towards the latter part of the 2023/24 season.

Last month it was confirmed that Kolisi would move back to his former club the Sharks and he made his return for the Durban-based side last Saturday in their 28-24 URC victory over Glasgow Warriors.

READ MORE: Siya Kolisi scores on Sharks return as Springboks stars put champions Glasgow Warriors to the sword