A book on the life of World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will be published next year.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that HarperCollins Publishers has secured the book deal after executive publisher Oli Malcolm bought world all-language rights from Kelly Hogarth at Roc Nation Sports, supported by Rory Scarfe at The Blair Partnership.
The book, currently untitled, is being written with Boris Starling and will be published ahead of the ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021.
ALSO READ: Kolisi documentary in the works
Malcolm explained that Kolisi’s life story is an extraordinary one of stoicism, unification and self-belief.
‘It is an immense personal and professional privilege to be working on this publication. Siya Kolisi has not simply won a Rugby World Cup, but proven to future generations that anything is possible.’
This comes after Kolisi’s agency, Roc Nation Sports, has already confirmed that a documentary based on the player’s life is in the works.
Meanwhile, the book publisher explained: ‘Kolisi’s life story will tell the extraordinary tale of a young boy from an impoverished township in the Eastern Cape who went on to guide the Springboks to their first World Cup final in 12 years and lift Rugby Union’s greatest prize.
‘Born to teenage parents, Kolisi was raised by his grandmother after the death of his mother when he was just 15. Aged 12 he won a rugby scholarship to a prestigious local school, despite speaking no English on arrival. A decade later Kolisi led his team to victory on the world stage in one of the most inspirational success stories in the sport’s history. Kolisi’s story is one of stoicism, unification and self-belief.’
Photo: Supplied/Archive
