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Captain Kolisi named SA’s best

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Siya Kolisi and his Springbok teammates

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been named SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2021.

Kolisi was on Thursday rewarded for a phenomenal 2021 season when he was named the SA Rugby Player of the Year. He is the first Bok captain since Jean de Villiers (2013) to win the top award.

The 30-year-old Kolisi beat Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi and Eben Etzebeth to the top individual award in South African rugby.

The Springboks were also honoured for their excellent 2021 season, walking away with the Team of the Year award, while Bulls coach Jake White was crowned Coach of the Year, beating Jacques Nienaber and Neil Powell to the title.

Springbok Sevens Player of the Year went to Ronald Brown, who had a stellar year for the Blitzboks following his return from his fight against cancer. 

Cheslin Kolbe‘s touchdown against British & Irish Lions in the third Test took out the Try of the Year award.

Springbok and Sharks back Aphelele Fassi was named the Young Player of the Year, while Henco van Wyk was voted as the Junior Springbok Player of the Year.

The Referee of the Year gong went to Aimee Barrett-Theron, women’s player Lusanda Dumke scooped two awards – Springbok Women’s Player of the Year and Provincial Women’s Player of the Year.

Other big winners included Bulls loose forward Elrigh Louw (Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year) and Boland Cavaliers wing Dylan Maart (Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year).

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander congratulated the winners and applauded their achievements.

“Siya led from the front as the Springboks completed what was arguably their toughest season – for many reasons – in a very long time,” said Alexander.

“Supported very well by Jacques Nienaber and his coaching team, as well as his teammates, Siya showed true leadership under challenging conditions, and he became better as the year progressed, which culminated with a spot in the World Rugby Dream Team for 2021, along with Makazole, Lukhanyo, Eben and Malcolm Marx.

“Aphelele is a star in the making and last year we saw glimpses of what he can do, which is why he fully deserves the award for Young Player of the Year, while Cheslin’s try-scoring exploits are well-documented and his excellent five-pointer in the final Test against the Lions was crucial in helping the Boks clinch the series.

“Lusanda, Ronald and Henco are all deserved winners after stellar performances as three of our other national teams kept the South African flag flying high around the world.

“I would like to congratulate Jake and the Vodacom Bulls on their season, as well as Elrigh, Dylan and Lusanda again for showing that our provincial game is as strong as ever, with the two Carling Currie Cup competitions as well as the Women’s Premier and First Divisions delivering superb rugby all season long.

“As we gear up for what promises to be a massive year ahead, I would like to congratulate every winner on their awards, but would also like to thank every player, coach, administrator, referee, sponsor and all other role players for making 2021 a season to remember.”

Photo: Ben Evans/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix