In a remarkable testament to their prowess on the pitch, three stalwart Springboks have been nominated for World Rugby’s prestigious Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award. Powerful forwards Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit, along with electric winger Cheslin Kolbe, are in the running for the game’s highest individual accolade. The trio’s nominations underscore South Africa’s dominance in international rugby and the immense talent within the reigning world champions’ ranks.
A Springbok Trifecta
The World Rugby Awards, set to take place in Monaco on November 24th, will cap off a thrilling year of international rugby. For the Springboks, the nominations of Etzebeth, Du Toit, and Kolbe serve as a fitting finale to a season that has seen them assert their dominance on the global stage.
Etzebeth’s Enduring Excellence
Lock forward Eben Etzebeth, now South Africa’s most capped player with over 120 appearances, has been a pillar of the Springbok pack for over a decade. His tireless work rate, brutal physicality, and leadership have been integral to the team’s success. This marks Etzebeth’s third nomination for Player of the Year, a testament to his consistency and longevity at the top of the game.
Eben is a true Springbok legend. His impact on the field is immense, and his nomination is thoroughly deserved.
According to a close source within the Springbok camp
Du Toit’s Versatility and Skill
Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, a former winner of the award in 2019, has once again been recognized for his all-round brilliance. Equally adept at playing lock or loose forward, Du Toit’s ability to cover every blade of grass and make crucial interventions in both attack and defense sets him apart. His nomination is a just reward for another stellar year in the green and gold.
Kolbe’s Game-Breaking Flair
Cheslin Kolbe, the diminutive winger with an outsized impact, rounds out the Springbok trio. His electric pace, dazzling footwork, and brave defense have made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent. Kolbe’s presence on the shortlist is a reminder that for all their forward might, the Springboks also boast some of the most exciting backline talents in the game.
A Rising Star Emerges
In addition to the established stars, young flyhalve Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been nominated for the Breakthrough Player of the Year award. His assured performances in his debut season for the Springboks hint at a bright future and an emerging new star of South African rugby.
Sacha has taken to test rugby with aplomb. He has a great head on his shoulders and a very bright future ahead of him.
According to a Springbok insider
Pride of a Nation
For the Springbok players and their many fans, these nominations are a source of immense pride. They reflect not only individual excellence but the collective strength and spirit of South African rugby.
As director of rugby Rassie Erasmus aptly summed up:
To have our players recognized among the best in the world is special. We are extremely proud of them, and we wish them luck for the awards.
Whether or not they claim the ultimate prize, Etzebeth, Du Toit, Kolbe, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu have already done their nation proud. Their nominations are a fitting tribute to the skill, passion, and commitment they bring to the jersey every time they take the field.
As the rugby world gathers in Monaco to crown its champions, South Africa can bask in the knowledge that some of the brightest stars in the game’s firmament wear the green and gold.
