Four Springboks Earn Nominations for 2023 World Rugby Awards: Stars of Rugby Shine

Four Springboks Earn Nominations for 2023 World Rugby Awards: Stars of Rugby Shine

November 18, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

World Rugby announced its award nominees on Monday. The awards ceremony will take place in Monaco on Sunday, November 24, after the November internationals.

Men’s 15s Player of the Year Nominees:

Eben Etzebeth is South Africa’s most capped player, having broken the record for Test matches this past September. Pieter-Steph du Toit is a former winner of this award.

Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year Nominees:

  • Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)
  • Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
  • Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
  • Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu impressed in his first Test matches before a knee injury ended his season.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander praised the players for their nominations. He highlighted their hard work and dedication. He expressed pride in the Springbok squad and their achievements.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus also congratulated the players. He noted their consistent high performance and the depth of talent in the squad this season. He mentioned that the team has utilized 50 players in Tests.

Eben Etzebeth has been nominated for this award in 2013 and last year. Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit were nominees in 2019, with Du Toit winning that year. Only two other South Africans, Schalk Burger in 2004 and Bryan Habana in 2007, have won this award.

South Africa’s 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