Kolisi Champions Women’s Rugby: A Call for Support and Solidarity

South Africa’s rugby captain Siya Kolisi emphasizes the shared responsibility of male athletes to uplift the women’s game, highlighting both moral duty and personal investment in its growth. During South Africa’s recent WXV campaign in Cape Town, Kolisi actively participated by attending matches and assisting with training sessions for the women’s team. His engagement included wearing the Springbok women’s jersey, posing for photos with players, and even addressing the Welsh squad after being contacted by prop Sisilia Tuipulotu via social media.

“Where I come from, when someone struggles, you help,” Kolisi shared during an appearance on The Good, The Scaz and The Rugby podcast. He underscored the importance of community support, saying, “The girls are playing the same sport as me, and they need help right now, so I go and help. That is how I was raised.” He acknowledged the significant role his family and community have played in his journey, attributing his success to the support of his grandmother and aunt.

Kolisi believes that athletes with a platform have a responsibility to uplift others. “It’s not just about you; it’s about how many people you can take with you,” he said. As South Africa competes in the second tier of the WXV, the team is set to conclude their campaign against Italy after securing a win against Japan and facing a loss to Australia.

Despite the challenges, including disappointing crowd sizes for some matches—such as only a few hundred spectators attending Wales’ game against Australia at the 55,000-capacity DHL Stadium—Kolisi noted that attendance improved for South Africa’s games. He estimated around 4,000 fans supported the Springbok women during their narrow 33-26 defeat to the Wallaroos.

Kolisi remains optimistic about the tournament’s impact, emphasizing the importance of exposure and playing time for women’s rugby. “WXV is so important; it creates more opportunities,” he stated. He compared the women’s schedule to that of male teams, which often have multiple fixtures throughout the year. “For us as men, we have three games in June or July, then the Rugby Championship, and another three or four on the end-of-year tour—potentially 13 games. The more time we spend together, the better we get, and that is what they [Springbok women] need.”

He added that supporting the women’s game contributes to the overall growth of rugby, suggesting that increased participation benefits everyone involved. “If we help the women’s game grow, it means rugby is expanding, more people are playing, and more exposure leads to mutual benefits for all,” he remarked.

Kolisi also called on corporate sponsors to rethink their investment strategies, urging them to recognize the potential rewards of supporting women’s rugby from the ground up. “It’s easy to give to someone who has already made it and is well-known,” he noted. “But imagine being the sponsor who backed the women from the beginning—when they succeed, you can share in the journey you’ve traveled together.”

His message is clear: the success of women’s rugby is not just a women’s issue but a collective effort that requires the support of the entire rugby community, including men’s teams, fans, and sponsors alike. As Kolisi continues to champion the women’s game, he embodies the spirit of solidarity and teamwork essential for the growth of rugby in South Africa and beyond.