South Africa's wing Cheslin Kolbe takes a selfie with supporters after South Africa won the Rugby Championship Test match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg Three Springboks have been nominated for Men’s 15s Player of the Year which are Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe (pictured) and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Four Springboks have been nominated for World Rugby Awards, it was announced on Monday.
Nominated for Men’s 15s Player of the Year are Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu, meanwhile, was nominated for Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
The Springboks have had another exceptional year, following their successful defence of the Rugby World Cup title last year. The Springboks drew their Test series in South Africa with Ireland 1-1 in July, before winning the Rugby Championship in fine style in September.
The Springboks have also won the first two matches of their November tour to the United Kingdom with victories over Scotland and England.
The awards will be held in Monaco on Sunday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus sung the praises of his troops.
“Congratulations to the players for being nominated and making their mark on the biggest stage in rugby this season. Making their nominations even more remarkable is that most of them have won two Rugby World Cup titles already and that they have continued to deliver the high standards we expect at the Springboks over several years,” said Erasmus.
“Over and above that, we have used 50 players in our Tests so far this season, and to see them shine among the best players in the world is fantastic. We are extremely proud of them, and we wish them luck when the winners are revealed.”
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said: “Having Springboks players feature in two categories is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the team and South Africa, and we are very proud of them,” said Mr Alexander.
“Each one of the Springbok players has shone out this season, and given the quality of the Springbok squad Rassie Erasmus has been building, I’m sure many more players could have been nominated.
“They all deserve this recognition, and we wish them luck for the awards ceremony in Monaco.”