‘I love you, brother’: Eben Etzebeth pays a moving tribute to Siya Kolisi

Few bonds in world rugby run as deep as the one between Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi.

Both towering figures in the Springboks, they have become symbols of South African rugby’s strength, resilience, and heart. Kolisi, the inspirational leader who has carried the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, and Etzebeth, the formidable lock known for his loyalty and unshakable presence, have shared countless battles on the field — and countless moments off it.

Now, as Kolisi reached a major milestone in his international career, Etzebeth has taken to Instagram to celebrate him in a deeply personal way. In a sincere message, he reflected on their journey together, the admiration he holds for Kolisi, and the inspiration he draws from him — not just as a teammate, but as a brother.

Their relationship goes far beyond rugby. They have pushed each other to be better, faced challenges side by side, and built a bond forged in respect, trust, and shared experiences.

Eben’s tribute

Pouring his heart out, this is what Etzebeth had to say:

“1-50-100. I can literally write a book about our lives together and one of the chapters would have been called Siya’s 100th in Paris. God put you on this earth to headline chapters and that’s what you are doing. Once in a generation a person like yourself is born to give hope to millions and inspire millions, I’m so grateful to call myself one of your best friends and to be apart of this chapter that happened on Saturday 8 November 2025 at 21:00PM. You are such a inspiration to millions of people out there for the person you are and the things you do, but for me you are also a inspiration but in a whole different way.

“You inspire me to realize that it doesn’t matter what life throws at you, you always run into the storm doesn’t matter how daunting it looks, you have been running at storms since you were small my brother. You also inspire me on the field by the way you play and how you always give everything for the Green & Gold, never giving up and inspiring your teammates by your actions. We have become actual brothers, sometimes we don’t agree, very few times we have had a argument but the bond and love we have for each other is unbreakable. I’m right next to you. I love you brother!,” wrote Etzebeth.

HAVE YOU READ THIS: When ‘Johnny’ Became Legend: Lauryn Hill reflects on 27 Years with John Legend