In a glittering ceremony at the Sun City Superbowl, rugby reigned supreme at the South African Sports Awards, dominating the evening by scooping up an unprecedented eight awards.
The Springboks and their stars were the center of attention, highlighting a historic year for the sport.
The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) outdid its previous records at these prestigious awards, surpassing the five trophies won in 2022.
The triumph is seen as a testament to the sport’s sustained excellence and growing dominance in the national sports landscape.
SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that these accolades reflect the hard work and passion invested in rugby at all levels.
Rugby’s clean sweep at the awards included Eben Etzebeth winning the coveted Sportsman of the Year title. Etzebeth, a key figure in the Springboks’ squad, has been instrumental in their recent successes, including a second consecutive Rugby World Cup victory.
Despite stiff competition, his stellar performances on the field earned him this top individual honor, though he was narrowly beaten by teammate Siya Kolisi for the Sports Star of the Year award.
Kolisi, who also took home the People’s Choice Award, a category determined by public vote, was recognized not just for his on-field prowess but also for his charismatic leadership and widespread popularity.
His dual awards underscore his profound impact both as a player and a public figure.
The awards night also celebrated other significant contributors to rugby’s success. Jacques Nienaber received the Coach of the Year award for leading the Springboks to World Cup glory.
The Team of the Year accolade naturally went to the Springboks themselves, acknowledging their global dominance.
Among the newcomers, flyhalf Manie Libbok was named Newcomer of the Year, marking a bright start to what promises to be a stellar career.
Additionally, SA Rugby president Mr. Mark Alexander was honored as the Sports Administrator of the Year, recognized for his leadership during a period of exceptional achievement for South African rugby.
The ceremony not only celebrated individual brilliance but also recognized the collective effort behind the scenes.
Oberholzer highlighted this in his remarks, pointing out that while trophies might be collected by individuals, they represent the collective effort of everyone involved in the sport—from grassroots to the national team.
Mr. Alexander echoed this sentiment, extending his gratitude towards the rugby community and the millions of South African fans.
His words reflected a sense of pride and accomplishment but also a recognition of the challenges faced and overcome by the rugby community.
In addition to the main awards, the evening also noted the achievements of others in the rugby family. Although not winning, Aimee Barrett-Theron was nominated in the Technical Officer of the Year category, showcasing the depth of talent within the sport’s broader ecosystem.
As rugby celebrated a night of overwhelming success at the South African Sports Awards, the sport solidified its place not just as a game but as a national treasure.
With leaders like Etzebeth and Kolisi at the forefront, and a supportive structure behind them, South African rugby is poised to continue its golden era, both on and off the field.
