Springbok stalwart Eben Etzebeth secured consecutive South African Rugby Player of the Year – honouring him for his stellar performance.
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 March 2024) – In a resounding celebration of excellence and dedication, Springbok titan Eben Etzebeth has clinched the prestigious title of South African Rugby Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, marking a remarkable achievement in his illustrious career.
The glittering ceremony, held at Multichoice City in Johannesburg, served as a fitting stage to honour Etzebeth’s stellar performance throughout the season.
Etzebeth, a towering figure in the world of rugby, standing at an impressive 2.07 meters, has left an indelible mark on the sport since his Test debut in 2012. His unwavering commitment to the green and gold jersey has been instrumental in guiding the Springboks to unprecedented success, culminating in their triumphant defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in France last October.
“This award is about the team. All the players are role models. It doesn’t matter where you come from,” remarked Etzebeth humbly, emphasising the collaborative spirit that defines the Springbok ethos.
The accolade places Etzebeth in esteemed company. He joins Pieter-Steph du Toit as only the second player to achieve back-to-back SA Rugby Player of the Year awards. His consistency and resilience on the field have not gone unnoticed, earning him a nomination for the coveted World Rugby Player of the Year title alongside some of the sport’s finest athletes.
Etzebeth’s impact extends beyond his formidable presence on the pitch; he serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring rugby players across South Africa, embodying the nation’s rich diversity and unity.
While Etzebeth’s current absence from play due to knee surgery may temporarily sideline him, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of rugby stars.
In addition to Etzebeth’s triumph, the awards ceremony showcased the depth of talent within South African rugby, with rising star Canan Moodie securing the Young Player of the Year title for the second consecutive year. Moodie’s emergence as a promising talent underscores the bright future ahead for South African rugby.
The collective achievements of the Springboks were duly celebrated, with the team earning the accolade of Team of the Year and head coach Jacques Nienaber rightfully recognised as Coach of the Year. Nienaber’s leadership played a pivotal role in guiding the Springboks to glory on the world stage, cementing their status as a formidable force in international rugby.
Amongst the fervent fans, flyhalf Manie Libbok was hailed as the Fans’ Player of the Year, while Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe’s electrifying moment during the World Cup quarter-final captured the hearts of fans worldwide, earning him the Fans’ Moment of the Year award.
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