Photo by Siya Kolisi (Instagram)

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi marked Cheslin Kolbe’s birthday with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, sharing photos of the pair and a message of appreciation for his teammate.

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

Kolisi posted the tribute on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The pictures showed the two rugby stars together, while his caption described Kolbe as his “brother” and wished him a blessed day.

Fans responded to the post with birthday greetings for Kolbe and warm comments about the friendship between the teammates.

Their close bond has often been reflected in the way they celebrate one another publicly, both on social media and during Springboks team gatherings.

Kolbe, who was born on October 28, celebrates his birthday during a busy period for the Springboks. Eben Etzebeth’s birthday follows on October 29, giving the team another occasion to celebrate just a day later.

The latest message was simple and affectionate, focusing on Kolisi’s appreciation for his teammate. “I love you” and “appreciate you” were central to the greeting, which Kolisi paired with a red heart emoji.

The two World Cup-winning players are widely known as teammates and close friends.

Their relationship has drawn attention from supporters, who often refer to the camaraderie within the national side as a brotherhood.

Kolisi’s past birthday tributes to Kolbe have also included playful banter. In a previous message, he joked about the winger’s height, writing that Kolbe “stands so tall in all you do, but just not by physical height”.

The exchange offered a humorous contrast to this year’s more straightforward birthday wish.

Kolbe has also publicly celebrated Kolisi. Previous birthday moments between the pair have included Kolbe waking Kolisi during team camps, highlighting the personal connection they share beyond their work on the rugby field.

The Instagram post offered fans a glimpse of that friendship as Kolisi celebrated Kolbe’s special day.

Followers joined in with birthday wishes, while the photos provided a warm backdrop to the captain’s message.

Kolisi’s tribute was shared on Instagram on Kolbe’s birthday, October 28.

The message ended with a hope that his teammate would have a blessed day, keeping the focus on celebrating Kolbe and their bond.

Source And Reference (Instagram)

https://www.instagram.com/p/DfCGz04jRsA/?srtk=ZncxZ2l0dWhtdmo=