Siya Kolisi’s rise from an impoverished childhood to a double Rugby World Cup-winning captain has captured the attention of the world, but it was rather down to his tough defence, tackle-busting ball-carrying, and admirable leadership skills that he became only the ninth player in history to earn 100 Test caps for South Africa. He captained the Boks to a series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2021 when he was also named the SA Rugby Player of the Year. He was a precocious junior talent who made his senior debut aged 19 and represented the Junior Springboks in 2010 and 2011 on the way to a decorated senior career.