- Stokes forecasts spin battle in Pakistan-England decider
- Volvo Cars cuts sales forecast on market headwinds
- South Africa 'shattered' by divorce of rugby star Kolisi
- Putin touts 'multipolar world order' at flagship BRICS summit
- Deutsche Bank profits boosted by legal settlements
- WHO says 'intense bombardment' halts Gaza polio vaccinations
- UK's Starmer plays down Trump team claims of interference
- Son of Singapore's founder granted asylum in UK
- Seven dead, thousands evacuated as tropical storm batters Philippines
- Pant fit for second Test as Gill gives India selection 'headache'
- S. Korean Olympic shooter Kim keeps cool over newfound fame
- UN chief in Russia for Putin's BRICS summit
- Harris to face voters' queries in crucial Pennsylvania
- Mehidy fifty steers Bangladesh towards parity at 201-6
- Ohtani 50-50 baseball sells for record-breaking $4.39 million
- Morikawa says 'winning is tough' ahead of Japan title defence
- New Zealand's Bowes smashes record-breaking 103-ball double ton
- Troubled Boeing faces investors and awaits strike vote
- Indian capital chokes as 'hazardous' air pollution returns
- Thousands flee homes as fierce tropical storm batters Philippines
- Tokyo Metro shares rocket on debut
- Climate change worsened deadly Africa floods, scientists say
- Los Angeles Dodgers baseball icon Fernando Valenzuela dead at 63
- Indian capital's 'hazardous' air pollution season starts
- King Charles visits Samoa, where Commonwealth looks to shed stodgy image
- Cattle disease wreaks havoc in Libya
- Fernando Valenzuela: Iconic pitcher sparked 'Fernandomania'
- Warner offers to come out of retirement for India Test series
- Taipei says Chinese aircraft carrier group sailed through Taiwan Strait
- LeBron, Bronny James make NBA history with father-son appearance
- Deyverson double gives Atletico upper hand over River Plate
- Tokyo Metro: Asia's oldest subway goes public
- Shiffrin eyes 100 World Cup wins as legend Hirscher returns
- Asian markets mixed as rate cut bets are trimmed; US vote in focus
- From Colombia's jungle to the world's fish tanks
- Celtics dominate Knicks to launch NBA title defense
- North Korean leader Kim inspects missile bases, ballistic weapons
- Harris says US ready for woman president
- King Charles winds up Australia trip, flies to Samoa summit
- Porn stars urge men to vote against Trump
- Judge orders Giuliani to hand over valuables in bankruptcy
- Mourinho reunion a reminder of how little has changed for mediocre Man Utd
- Taiwan says Chinese warships sailing towards sensitive strait
- Chile ex-international footballer Valdivia held over rape complaint
- Safieddine, the apparent Hezbollah heir who was killed by Israel
- Roman Polanski 1970s sexual assault lawsuit dismissed: lawyer
- ABBA's Bjorn among 11,000 artists issuing AI warning
- Vinicius hat-trick saves Real Madrid in Champions League, Villa go top
- Mexico arrests suspected killer of prominent priest
- Toure snatches last-gasp win for Stuttgart at Juventus
South Africa 'shattered' by divorce of rugby star Kolisi
South Africans were stunned Wednesday after news emerged that one of the country's most prominent couples, Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, were divorcing.
The mixed-race celebrity couple who were a symbol of the "rainbow nation" made a joint announcement late Tuesday on Instagram.
"After much reflection and open conversations, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of us," said the statement.
Kolisi, 33, holds superstar status at home and around the rugby world as the first black man to lead the Springboks, captaining them to two World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 as well as this year's Rugby Championship.
After last year's World Cup final in Paris, he stayed in France to play for Racing 92 but cut short his contract last month to return to Durban-based Sharks.
"My family have missed South Africa and it is time to come home," he said at the time.
His marriage to a white woman, Rachel Smith, in 2016, captivated South Africa, a country where racial tensions are still rife three decades after the end of apartheid.
The News24 website said they "appeared to embody the nation's aspirations with their ease in embracing each other and each other's cultures".
"Their marriage had become a symbol of love, diversity, and overcoming the odds in the hope of achieving excellence."
Their split has grabbed the headlines, with national outlets writing: "Siya and Rachel: The fairytale that wasn't to be" and "Siya and Rachel Kolisi's divorce leaves Mzansi (a colloquial name for South Africa) heartbroken".
South Africans have also taken to social media to express their sadness over the news.
"We need to take family responsibility leave tomorrow as a country. We are shattered," one person posted on X.
Others said it was "the most tragic split South Africans have witnessed since Nelson (Mandela) and mama Winnie" and compared the separation to "the divorce of a royal couple, but one that is actually useful, loved and makes a difference".
Kolisi, who grew up in a township near the city of Port Elizabeth, since renamed Gqeberha, described the rocky beginnings of his relationship with Rachel in his autobiography, Rise.
The couple have two children and adopted two of Kolisi's younger siblings.
When announcing their divorce, they said that they "remain great friends and committed partners" in raising their children.
T.Resende--PC