Cape Town – Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to his teammate and close friend Cheslin Kolbe, celebrating the rugby star as he turned 33. 

Kolbe marked his birthday on Wednesday, 28 October, with Kolisi taking to Instagram to send him a warm message of love and appreciation. 

“Happy birthday my brother @cheslinkolbe. I love you ❤️ and appreciate you. Hope you have a blessed day,” Kolisi wrote. 

The short but meaningful message offered a glimpse into the bond between the two Springboks stars, who have shared some of South African rugby’s biggest moments on the international stage. 

 

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A post shared by Siya Kolisi (@siyakolisi)

Kolisi and Kolbe were key members of the Springboks teams that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023, helping South Africa cement its place among rugby’s most successful nations. 

Beyond their achievements on the field, the pair have often shown their mutual respect and affection for one another, with Kolisi’s birthday message reflecting the camaraderie within the Springboks camp. 

CHAMPIONS! Happy Rugby World Cup Champions Anniversary and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MAGNIFICENT GOAT THAT IS CHESLIN KOLBE! ❤️❤️🇿🇦🇿🇦🏆🏆 https://t.co/nwu7kowkht

— Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) October 28, 2025

For Kolbe, the milestone marks another birthday in a career that has seen him become one of South Africa’s most celebrated players, admired for his speed, skill and ability to deliver on rugby’s biggest occasions. 

Kolisi’s tribute was brief, but his message was clear: the respect and brotherhood between the two champions extends well beyond the rugby field.