Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Hanekom and Louw headline SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season shortlist

In a season packed with thrilling moments and rising stars, three standout players have emerged as finalists for the South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season Award.

The nominees – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls teammates Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw – have been rewarded for their exceptional contributions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The announcement follows the closing of votes on Friday, with input from the Springbok coaching staff, the technical teams of all four South African URC franchises, and select members of the rugby media.

A total of 17 players from the local franchises received nominations, but it was Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Hanekom and Louw who stood out among their peers, all three receiving strong backing from the voting panel. Notably, all three were recently present at the Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town, underlining their growing importance on the national radar.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Stormers’ playmaker rises

For Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, this nomination caps off a breakout season with the Stormers. The dynamic playmaker has been pivotal in orchestrating the Cape side’s attacking structures, consistently putting his teammates into space and creating scoring opportunities. His tactical kicking, composure under pressure, and vision have seen him climb the rankings to become joint-fifth in the URC for most points scored by the end of the regular season.

At just 22, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has shown maturity beyond his years, stepping up in crucial moments and proving he can handle the responsibility that comes with wearing the No. 10 jersey. His performances have not only inspired his team but also caught the attention of selectors and fans alike.

Hanekom: Bulls’ back row revelation

Few players have made as much impact in both attack and defence as Cameron Hanekom this season. The 21-year-old loose forward has been a cornerstone of the Vodacom Bulls’ success, blending physicality with skill in equal measure. Whether it’s his ability to break tackles, disrupt opposition ball at the breakdown, or execute crucial tackles, Hanekom has emerged as one of the most complete forwards in the league.

Statistically, he leads his Bulls teammates in defenders beaten, turnovers won, and tackles made – a testament to his work rate and influence across the park. He also ranks fifth overall for offloads in the URC, highlighting his ability to keep the ball alive and support the Bulls’ expansive style.

Louw: Scrumming supremacy

Veteran tighthead Wilco Louw rounds out the trio of nominees and brings power and experience to the table. Since returning to the Springbok setup in 2023 after a two-year absence, Louw has reasserted himself as one of the best scrummagers in the game. His commanding presence in the Bulls’ front row has been instrumental in their dominance at set-piece time, with the Pretoria-based side statistically boasting the best scrum in the competition this season.

Louw’s leadership and technical proficiency have laid the platform for the Bulls' attack and secured vital penalties in high-pressure moments. His inclusion among the nominees is a fitting reward for a consistently high-performing campaign.

What’s next?

The winner of the South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season Award will be announced on Thursday, June 5, during the annual Vodacom URC Awards. The event will also honour other top South African players vying for various individual accolades following another memorable URC season.

Whether it’s Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s flair, Hanekom’s all-action energy, or Louw’s power in the engine room, this year’s nominees embody the exciting future of South African rugby.

Fans won’t have to wait long to find out who takes home the top honour – but no matter who claims the trophy, all three have already made a major statement in the green-and-gold conversation.