Siya Kolisi unfollows Rachel’s family: Tatjana and Joel Smith cut from Instagram

For a long time, the Kolisi family looked like one big, happy team. 

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was very close to his wife Rachel Kolisi's family. This included Rachel’s brother Joel and his Olympic gold medalist wife, Tatjana Smith. 

Until the likes stopped flowing, the comments dried up, and then, the ultimate modern snub: the unfollow.

Siya, the man who once united a nation, quietly untied himself from the extended family of his former wife.

In the past, they often posted photos cheering for each other, celebrating birthdays and looking like best friends. But now, Siya has unfollowed Joel, Tatjana and Rachel's three sisters.

It wasn't just Siya, though; Tatjana unfollowed him back.

Last year, the former couple was seen in posts with Joel and Tatjana. Joel wrote in the caption: "Family affair ❤️." 

The unfollow comes a little over a year since Siya and Rachel announced their separation.

Back then, Siya and Rachel swore the split was amicable, born of "love and respect", but a year later, that close bond seems to have shattered, and rumour has it the catalyst has a name: Rachel John.

Word on the social media streets is that Siya has moved on with the Dutch model now dubbed "the other Rachel." And it seems the introduction of a new leading lady has drawn lines in the sand that even old friendships can’t cross.

Last month, Rachel joined in on the pettiness when she unfollowed her close friend, Saskia Snyman, Springbok's RG Snyman's wife.  

Netizens suggested that the unfollow was because Snyman befriended John and was spotted together with her during an overseas visit. 

Rachel went a step further by posting a cryptic message on her Instagram Story, which read: "Those fake checkups don’t work on me. I’m good. Mind your business ... Kind regards."

The pair used to be Instagram besties. Rachel always liked Saskia’s posts, and Saskia was constantly in Rachel’s comments, dropping heart emojis and support.

So much for amicable. The "family affair" has turned into a full-blown soap opera, and it looks like the Kolisis separation has officially entered its "messy era".