Kolbe and Roos shine as top honourees at SA Rugby Awards

In a night of celebration and recognition, Cheslin Kolbe and Nadine Roos emerged as the top winners at the SA Rugby Awards ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town last Thursday evening. Kolbe became the first backline player in over a decade to claim the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year award, while Roos secured her second SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year title.

Kolbe’s outstanding performances throughout the 2024 season cemented his status as one of world rugby’s most electrifying talents. His contributions played a key role in the Springboks' successful campaign, where they secured 11 wins in 13 Test matches and reclaimed both the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and Freedom Cup titles.

The speedster’s skill, pace, and ability to change a game in an instant set him apart from a strong field of nominees, including past winners Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

“It’s amazing to think that the last backline player to win this award was Jean de Villiers in 2013,” said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander. “Cheslin’s recognition is a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the field.”

The Springboks’ dominance in 2024 was further recognised as they were named Team of the Year, with head coach Rassie Erasmus earning the Coach of the Year accolade for guiding the squad to another remarkable season.

Roos, a key figure in both the Springbok Women’s fifteens and sevens teams, was honoured as the top female player for her continued excellence on the field. Having previously won the award in 2022, she remains a standout performer in South African women’s rugby.

Young talent was also celebrated at the awards, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu receiving the Young Player of the Year honour after a breakthrough season. Meanwhile, Jurenzo Julius was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year, following his impressive performances for the SA U20s before making his mark at the senior level.

Selvyn Davids, who played a crucial role in the Blitzboks’ bronze medal finish at the Paris Olympics, was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year. His selection in World Rugby’s Dream Team further highlighted his exceptional contributions to the sevens format.

On the domestic front, Renzo du Plessis (Fidelity ADT Lions) and Ashlon Davids (Sanlam Boland Cavaliers) were recognised as the Carling Currie Cup Premier and First Division Players of the Year, respectively. Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions) was named SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season, while Jakkie Cilliers earned the Provincial Women’s Player of the Year award for her role in leading the Bulls Daisies to back-to-back titles.

Referee AJ Jacobs received the OUTsurance Referee of the Year award for his consistent officiating at both local and international levels.

Special awards were given to organisations that have made a significant impact on rugby development in South Africa. The South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) was named Associate Member of the Year, while the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union received the inaugural President’s Award for their commitment to expanding access to the game and ensuring high-performance success.

Beyond the awards, the Springbok brand achieved a major milestone by being ranked 50th among South Africa’s top 100 brands—the only sports brand to make the list.

Reflecting on the past year, Mr. Alexander expressed confidence in the continued growth of South African rugby. “As the curtain falls on a successful year, the Springboks and all role players in South African rugby can look ahead with confidence, building on the solid foundation laid in 2024. Best of luck to everyone for the rest of the year — may we build on our achievements in 2025.”