Eben Etzebeth has been named South Africa’s top rugby player for the second consecutive year, winning the SA Rugby Player of the Year award on Thursday. Eben Etzebeth earned the title of SA Rugby Player of the Year following his crucial role in leading the Springboks to an unprecedented fourth World Cup victory in 2023. EBEN ETZEBETH ACHIEVES TOP HONORS The formidable Springbok claimed the most prestigious award for the second successive year, surpassing fellow World Cup champions Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, and Damian Willemse. At 32, the Springbok lock was also a finalist for the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2023, narrowly missing out to All Blacks standout Ardie Savea. Etzebeth’s exceptional performances throughout the season earned him a spot in the World Rugby Team of the Year. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SA RUGBY AWARDS The Springboks, with their double World Cup victory, were naturally named Team of the Year, outshining the Cheetahs (Currie Cup champions) and the Stormers (URC finalists). Jacques Nienaber, the former Springbok coach, was awarded Coach of the Year for leading the national team to World Cup success in France. Canan Moodie received the Young Player of the Year award. Libbie Janse van Rensburg was honored as both the Springbok Women’s Player of the Year and the Provincial Women’s Player of the Year. Ricardo Duarttee, affectionately called Tricky Ricky, was named the Springbok Sevens Player of the Year. Cheslin Kolbe’s pivotal conversion block in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France was chosen as the Fans’ Moment of the Year, while Manie Libbok, another Springbok, was selected as Fans’ Player of the Year. Jaco Peyper won the SA Rugby Referee of the Year award. In other awards, Corne Beets was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year, Ruan Pienaar, captain of the Cheetahs, was awarded Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year, and Cameron Hufke was recognized as Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year. The SA Rugby Associate Member of the Year award was given to the SA Deaf Rugby Association.
