South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has praised Siya Kolisi as the greatest leader in the history of rugby. The Minister shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) of a speech he gave to the Springbok team after their victory over the All Blacks earlier this year at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The match had been intense, with New Zealand leading going into the final quarter, but Grant Williams’ remarkable late try helped secure a dramatic win for South Africa.
Following the victory, McKenzie joined the jubilant Springboks in their changing room, where he expressed his admiration for Kolisi. He told the team, “Let me tell you something, and this comes from the bottom of my heart. You (Kolisi) are not only a good captain, you are the best captain that the game of rugby has ever produced. Take that for yourself.”
The best sporting moment since becoming Minister was addressing the @Springboks after the win against the All Blacks. @RassieRugby & his Boys did so much for social cohesion and national pride for SA. We owe them an incredible debt of gratitude. The greatest rugby team ever. pic.twitter.com/yZEupMbw59
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) December 27, 2024
Kolisi’s influence in South Africa has grown significantly since he became the country’s first black rugby captain in 2018. His leadership has left a lasting mark on both the sport and the nation. Within 18 months of being appointed captain, Kolisi led the Springboks to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, shocking the world. The team then triumphed in the 2021 British & Irish Lions series and entered the 2023 World Cup in France as the favorites. Under Kolisi’s leadership, the Springboks went on to win the World Cup, making him only the second captain in history, after Richie McCaw, to win back-to-back titles.
Although debates about Kolisi’s status as the greatest captain in rugby history will continue, there is no doubt that he is one of the sport’s most influential figures. His leadership has helped elevate the Springboks to new heights, cementing his legacy as one of rugby’s most prominent and impactful stars.