(The Post News)– Cheslin Kolbe has been named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first backline player in over a decade to secure the prestigious accolade. The announcement came during the SA Rugby Awards ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, Nadine Roos was honoured as SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for the second time. Kolbe’s phenomenal performances throughout 2024 saw him edge out a highly competitive field, which included past winners Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit, alongside Damian De Allende and Ox Nche.
His contributions were vital in a triumphant Springbok campaign, where the team secured 11 victories from 13 Tests, reclaiming both the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and the Freedom Cup. Moreover, his blistering pace and game-changing abilities made him a standout performer in a season where the Springboks and their mastermind, Rassie Erasmus, were also named Team and Coach of the Year, respectively.
Roos, recognised for her versatility across both fifteens and sevens formats, continued to cement her status as one of the country’s top rugby talents. This marks her second win in three years, having previously claimed the title in 2022.
The evening also celebrated rising stars in South African rugby. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s breakthrough season earned him the Young Player of the Year award, while Jurenzo Julius was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year after an impressive stint with the SA U20s. Selvyn Davids, a key figure in the Springbok Sevens squad and a member of World Rugby’s Dream Team, took home the Sevens Player of the Year award.
Domestic rugby also had its share of accolades. Renzo du Plessis (Fidelity ADT Lions) and Ashlon Davids (Sanlam Boland Cavaliers) were named Carling Currie Cup Players of the Year for the Premier and First Divisions, respectively. Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions) was recognised as the SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season.
Jakkie Cilliers, instrumental in securing a second consecutive Women’s Premier Division title for the Bulls Daisies, was awarded Provincial Women’s Player of the Year. Meanwhile, AJ Jacobs’ consistent performances on the whistle saw him claim the title of OUTsurance Referee of the Year.
Beyond individual accolades, the awards night also highlighted contributions to the sport’s growth. The South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) was named Associate Member of the Year for its role in youth development, while the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union received the first-ever President’s Award for excellence in governance, performance, and development.
Adding to SA Rugby’s success, the Springbok brand secured a spot among South Africa’s top 100 brands, ranking 50th—the highest and only sports brand to achieve this milestone.
Reflecting on the night, SA Rugby President Mark Alexander commended Kolbe’s achievement as a well-earned recognition of his impact on the field. He also praised the talent within South African rugby, emphasising the significant contributions made by all award recipients. “As we conclude a successful year, the Springboks and the broader rugby community can look ahead with confidence,” said Alexander. “The foundation laid in 2024 sets us up for continued success in 2025.”
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