Four Springboks players have been nominated for the prestigious 2024 World Rugby Awards, recognizing their stellar performances throughout the year. These nominations come as a reflection of South Africa’s continued dominance in world rugby, with players who have consistently delivered at the highest level.
When are the 2024 World Rugby Awards
The awards ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, 24 November in Monaco, following the conclusion of the November internationals. The shortlist of nominees was announced on Monday, 18 November, and South Africa’s representatives stand out in two key categories: Men’s 15s Player of the Year and Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Four Springboks Players Nominated
Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Pieter-Steph du Toit are all vying for the coveted Men’s 15s Player of the Year award, a category that highlights the world’s top rugby talent. The South African trio have all had standout seasons, and their nominations are a testament to their continued excellence. Alongside them on the shortlist is Caelan Doris from Ireland, a player who has also made a significant impact in the 2024 international season.
Eben Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player, has broken records and led by example in every Test match he has played. His leadership and consistency in the pack have made him a cornerstone of the Springbok team. Cheslin Kolbe is renowned for his agility and game-changing abilities on the wing, consistently delivering performances that thrill fans and frustrate opposition defenses. Pieter-Steph du Toit, a versatile forward who can play across the back row, won the Men’s 15s Player of the Year award in 2019 and has continued to be a force in the Springbok forward pack, with his work rate, defense, and ball carrying making him one of the world’s best utility forwards.
Meanwhile, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been nominated for Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Though his season was interrupted by a knee injury, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s early performances in the Springbok jersey were outstanding, and he remains one of the brightest talents in South African rugby.
Praise for the Nominees
Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, congratulated the players, acknowledging their incredible contribution to the team and to South African rugby as a whole. “Having Springboks featured in two categories is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the team and South Africa. We are incredibly proud of them,” he said.
South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, also expressed his pride, saying, “Congratulations to the players for being nominated. They have made their mark on the biggest stage, and it is even more remarkable considering that most of them have already won two Rugby World Cups and have maintained such high standards over many years.” Erasmus also pointed out that the Springboks had used 50 players in their Tests this season, further demonstrating the depth and strength of the squad.
A Storied History of Nominations
The World Rugby Awards have been a platform for South African players to showcase their exceptional talent. Notably, Schalk Burger (2004) and Bryan Habana (2007) are two of only four South Africans to have won the Men’s 15s Player of the Year award, alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit (2019). Etzebeth’s nomination this year marks his third time being shortlisted for the award, following previous nods in 2013 and 2022. Kolbe and du Toit were also shortlisted for the award in 2019, with du Toit going on to claim the title that year.
Other Springboks who have received nominations for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year in recent years include Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (both in 2014), Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx (both in 2018), and Lukhanyo Am (2022). The continued presence of South African talent among the world’s best is a reflection of the strong rugby culture and success the country has enjoyed, both domestically and internationally.
Full List of 2024 World Rugby Awards Nominees
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
- Caelan Doris (IRE)
- Eben Etzebeth (RSA)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (RSA)
- Cheslin Kolbe (RSA)
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (RSA)
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (ENG)
- Jamie Osborne (IRE)
- Wallace Sititi (NZL)
International Rugby Players Men’s 15s Try of the Year
- James Lowe (Ireland v England, Men’s Six Nations, 10 March)
- Lorenzo Pani (Italy v Wales, Men’s Six Nations, 17 March)
- Nolann Le Garrec (France v England, Men’s Six Nations, 17 March)
- Akaki Tabutsadze (Georgia v Australia, July Internationals, 20 July)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
- Pauline Bourdon Sansus (FRA)
- Ellie Kildunne (ENG)
- Alex Matthews (ENG)
- Alex Tessier (CAN)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
- Caitlyn Halse (AUS)
- Maddie Feaunati (ENG)
- Erin King (IRE)
- Hannah King (NZL)
International Rugby Players Women’s 15s Try of the Year
- Alyssa D’Incà (Italy v Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, 20 April)
- Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand v Australia, Pacific Four Series, 25 May)
- Maya Stewart (Australia v Wales, WXV, 28 September)
- Marine Ménager (France v Canada, WXV, 29 September)
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- Antoine Dupont (FRA)
- Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (FRA)
- Terry Kennedy (IRE)
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- Michaela Blyde (NZL)
- Maddison Levi (AUS)
- Jorja Miller (NZL)
Related article: Rugby Championship Uncovered: The Springboks’ Unstoppable Legacy
