Siya Kolisi may be going through the most following news of his divorce from his wife Rachel, but his bestie, Eben Etzebeth, has proved once again that he has his back. The Springboks colleagues were seen sharing an emotional embrace after their Sharks game on Saturday, 26 October.
The Sharks won the game 41-24 against Munster on home turf at Kings Park Stadium.
Eben – who captained the match – has been pals with Siya since they were teenagers when they met in Craven Week.
EBEN ETZEBETH EMBRACES SIYA KOLISI AFTER MATCH
In a heartwarming snap captured by a Sharks photographer, Siya Kolisi was seen embracing his good friend Eben Etzebeth after the game.
The Springboks captain closed his eyes as he shared a bear hug with the towering star, who was named the captain of the Durban club.
sharks, siya kolisi, eben etzebeth
Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth share a sweet embrace. Image via Instagram:
@siyakolisi
Eben has taken Siya under his wing and is both protective and defensive of his pal.
Last week, the Boks most capped player made headlines after he fought off Glasgow Warriors players who picked on Siya during a pitch brawl.
The brawl kicked off when one Scottish player pushed Bongi Mbonambi, shortly after the second half began. Fellow Sharks Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, and Siya Kolisi – who are all Springboks – tried to diffuse the tense situation, which quickly spiralled out of control.
Swiftly stepping was Eben, who managed to thrust off several opponents, who had particularly surrounded Siya.
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‘WE’VE COME A LONG WAY’
Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi’s friendship has been named one of the “best bromances” in SA Rugby.
Eben debuted for the Springboks in 2012 in a match against England. A year later, Siya Kolisi joined the squad. However, the Bok besties met years earlier.
Siya told SA Rugby Mag, “We’ve come a long way together. We met at Craven Week when we were both 18.
“He’s one of the reasons I moved to Western Province. [He was] one of the first friends I had who spoke Afrikaans.”
The pals reunited last week at the Durban club of the Sharks after Siya cut short his contract with French club Racing92.Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi also thanked the Sharks supporters for showing him love and welcoming him home to the club, particularly after a tough week on the home front.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, the popular player was seen waving to the crowd and taking pics with young fans.
He shared: “Thank you so much for all the support @sharksrugby family and the people of KZN. Great to be back here”.