‘Not just Siya Kolisi’ – Springboks Who Had MESSY Divorces

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi shocked fans with his announcement of divorcing his wife, Rachel. Until recently, the couple appeared happily married with two children.

Married in 2016, Siya and Rachel have not revealed details about their separation. But he’s not the only Bok captain to go through a high-profile divorce.

ALSO READ: Siya and Rachel Kolisi Announce End of Marriage

Joost van der Westhuizen and Marlize van der Westhuizen

The late Joost van der Westhuizen, who captained the Springboks in 2002, went through a high-profile divorce with his wife Marlize. At his passing in 2017, he was estranged from his second wife, Amor Vittone, after allegations of infidelity.

Rassie Erasmus and Nicolene Erasmus

Springboks coach and former player Rassie Erasmus also made headlines this year, announcing his divorce from Nicolene Erasmus after 25 years. The announcement came just before Siya Kolisi’s news.

Elton Jantjies and His Controversial Affair

Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies faced backlash after admitting to an affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee in 2022, though Simjee denied it. Elton also faced additional controversy with allegations of drug use and domestic issues.

Derick Hougaard and Karlien van Jaarsveld

All you need…!!! pic.twitter.com/f43K6Hw79u

— Derick Hougaard (@DerickHougaard) August 10, 2015

Former Springbok Derick Hougaard’s marriage to singer Karlien van Jaarsveld ended in a messy split. Karlien later revealed on social media that Hougaard struggled with pill and alcohol addictions, affecting their family life.

Joost van der Westhuizen and Amor Vittone

The Joost and Amor Van Der Westhuizen scandal would’ve shaken them to the core. https://t.co/uuQqWvhUNk pic.twitter.com/KkjJNr9Y5U

— Sisa (@TheTitanBaddie) October 22, 2024

Joost van der Westhuizen’s separation from Amor Vittone was marked by numerous allegations. The late rugby star faced accusations of drug use and multiple affairs. After his passing, he left only a TV to his estranged wife, Amor, and their children.

Andries Bekker and His Infidelity Scandal

In 2011, former Springbok Andries Bekker divorced his wife, Pioni, after he admitted to an affair. He confessed his actions publicly, saying he regretted the infidelity, but the marriage couldn’t be saved.

Jacques Potgieter and Angelique Gerber

Jacques Potgieter, former Springbok and actor, experienced a publicized divorce from 7de Laan actress Angelique Gerber in 2022. Following the split, Potgieter was accused of infidelity, which he initially attributed to a “hacked” Instagram account.

James Dalton and Allegations of Abuse

Springbok hooker James Dalton’s divorce in 2007 was marked by his ex-wife Andrea’s allegations of physical, mental, and financial abuse, as well as infidelity. Dalton denied all claims, but the split left lasting public controversy.

Jake White and His Secret Affair

Springboks’ former coach Jake White finalized his divorce in 2008 and quickly remarried. Reports allege that White flew his mistress to the 2007 World Cup and maintained a “public sham” of a marriage, sparking widespread criticism.