Eben Etzebeth wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend and teammate Siya Kolisi ahead of Kolisi's 100th Test match against France on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The tribute, posted on social media, highlighted their long-standing friendship, brotherhood, and Kolisi's impact both on and off the field.
Etzebeth expressed his pride in Kolisi's achievement, referencing their friendship that began at Craven Week when they were 18.
He described Kolisi as more than just a rugby teammate, praising his leadership and how he lifts up the entire team.
He acknowledged Kolisi's journey and background, saying, "What you've done off the field, where you come from, and the challenges you've faced are incredible".
"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 happening on Saturday 8 November 2025 at 21:00. 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 realise that it doesn't matter what life throws at you, you always run into the storm doesn't matter how daunting it looks, you've 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've become actual brothers. Sometimes, we don't agree, very few times, we've had an argument, but the bond and love we have for each other is unbreakable. I'm right next to you this weekend. I love you, brother!"