The awards, considered the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport, will take place in Monaco on Sunday, November 24, following the conclusion of the November internationals.
The Springboks’ exceptional performances during the 2024 rugby season have earned them significant recognition, with four South African players nominated for the upcoming World Rugby Awards.
The awards, considered the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport, will take place in Monaco on Sunday, November 24, following the conclusion of the November internationals.
In the highly competitive Men’s 15s Player of the Year category, South Africa boasts three nominees: Eben Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player, surpassed Victor Matfield’s record of 127 Test matches earlier this year. Cheslin Kolbe, the electrifying wing renowned for his game-changing runs. Pieter-Steph du Toit, a versatile forward and former recipient of the award in 2019.
The trio will contend with Ireland’s dynamic loose forward, Caelan Doris.
So this just happened 🤩
Four #Springboks were nominated for @WorldRugby Awards ✅#ForeverGreenForeverGold #WorldRugbyAwards— Springboks (@Springboks) November 18, 2024
In the Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year category, Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been nominated. Despite a season cut short by a knee injury, the young talent impressed with his performances in his debut Test outings. He faces competition from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England), Jamie Osborne (Ireland), and Wallace Sititi (New Zealand).
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the nominees, saying: “Having Springboks players feature in two categories is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the team and South Africa. We are incredibly proud of them and wish them the best for the ceremony in Monaco.”
Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus echoed these sentiments, highlighting the players’ consistency at the highest level. “What makes their nominations remarkable is that many of them have already won two Rugby World Cup titles. Their ability to maintain such high standards season after season is incredible.”
Etzebeth’s nomination is his third after making the shortlist in 2013 and 2022. Kolbe and Du Toit were previously nominated in 2019, with Du Toit claiming the award that year. Other South African winners include Schalk Burger (2004) and Bryan Habana (2009).
The recognition further cements South Africa’s reputation as a powerhouse in world rugby, with multiple players having earned nominations in recent years, including Lukhanyo Am (2022), Faf de Klerk, Malcolm Marx (2018), and Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (2014).
As the countdown to the awards ceremony begins, South Africa will be hoping for more Springbok names to join the prestigious list of World Rugby Award winners.
South Africa’s 2024 World Rugby Award nominees:
Men’s 15s Player of the Year: Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit
Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
