Rachel Kolisi is stepping into a powerful new chapter.
The philanthropist, health activist, and former wife of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has announced the release of her memoir, Falling Forward – a deeply personal account of loss, resilience, and picking up the pieces when life unravels in full public view.
The book follows the emotional journey that many South Africans witnessed unfold online after Rachel and Siya dropped their divorce bombshell in October 2024.
Once treasured as the nation’s golden couple, their separation marked a seismic shift – not just in the gutsy blonde’s personal life, but also in the public’s view of her role as merely a “rugby wife”.
Rachel Kolisi ‘Falling Forward’: Story of healing and self-discovery
Rachel has never shied away from being brutally honest about her feelings on social media, often speaking openly about grief, anxiety, and the pressure placed on women to “keep it all together”.
The announcement of her memoir landed on Instagram on Thursday, 22 January – just a day after Rachel celebrated her 36th birthday,
In Falling Forward – set to be released alongside her documentary in March – she reflects on how her life changed when her marriage fell apart under the glare of public scrutiny.
‘Falling Forward’: More than just the tale of a high-profile divorce
Rachel, however, emphasised that her Falling Forward project does not centre on her divorce from Siya or the intense public speculation that followed.
Instead, it focuses on her internal evolution and the quiet resilience that helped her keep moving.
Sharing from the heart a ‘service in itself’
“So many women told me they appreciated my openness and that it helped them with their own challenges – not just pertaining to divorce, but other emotional struggles as well,” Rachel was quoted as saying in a recent interview with Sarie magazine.
The overwhelmingly positive response, she explained, reinforced her belief that sharing straight from the heart with raw honesty can be a form of service in itself.
Rachel on breaking the ‘perfect woman’ myth
Long before her highly publicised divorce, Rachel was already challenging the unrealistic expectations placed on women.
She has spoken candidly about the pressure to be a flawless mother, partner, and professional – and how quickly that illusion can collapse when life takes an unexpected turn.
“We set incredibly high standards for ourselves, often unconsciously,” she explained.
“Then something happens – a divorce, a sick child, a retrenchment – and our world collapses. But we keep pretending.”
Her Falling Forward memoir and documentary aim to dismantle that silence.
WoW award: Recognition amid the storm
In September, Rachel received international recognition when she was awarded a Women of Wonder (WoW) Award, honouring women who inspire through leadership, philanthropy and social impact.
The accolade came during one of the hardest periods of her life while trying to find the “real Rachel” again through her journey of self-discovery and healing.
“I was really surprised and honoured – it’s the first award I’ve won since matric,” she admitted in her Sarie interview.
The recognition, she said, reminded her that she was still on the right path, even when the noise felt overwhelming.
Choosing impact over retreat
Rachel also reflects on the darker side of living publicly. At one point, she took a six-week break from social media after online criticism became too much.
While the nation’s former “First Lady of Rugby” acknowledges that stepping back was necessary, she ultimately chose not to dwell in “retreat mode”.
“There are many people married to celebrities who don’t live publicly,” she said.
“But if you’re in that position, it’s also a responsibility. Do you just chase invitations and sponsorships, or do you want to make a difference?”
This belief, which guided her past philanthropic efforts with the Kolisi Foundation, now underpins Falling Forward – a memoir positioned not as a tell-all but as a companion for anyone learning to stand up and move forward after falling.
Rachel Kolisi: A woman of grit and grace
Terry Morris, managing director of Pan Macmillan South Africa, praised Rachel Kolisi for her “grit and grace”:
“Rachel’s story is a deeply personal one that will resonate with many readers. She has faced her challenges with resilience, grit, grace and also the support of many.
“We are so proud to partner with Rachel in publishing Falling Forward and know that the book will bring hope and optimism to many South African readers.”
‘Falling Forward’ roadshow: What to know
Attendees of the Falling Forward National Roadshow in Makhanda (4 March) and Gqeberha (5 March) will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the book before it arrives in general bookstores.
The book will be available nationwide and online from mid-March 2026.
