The dynamic Springbok speedster, Cheslin Kolbe, has made history by becoming the first backline player to earn the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year award since 2013, during the spectacular SA Rugby Awards held on Thursday night at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre. In a parallel celebration, Nadine Roos marked her second win as the Women’s Player of the Year.
Kolbe stood out among a remarkable array of nominees for his exceptional performances throughout the 2024 season, facing off against previous award winners like Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damian De Allende, and Ox Nche.
His critical contributions were instrumental in the Springboks’ successful season, as they secured 11 victories out of 13 Tests, in addition to reclaiming the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and Freedom Cup titles. Kolbe’s incredible speed and skill on the pitch were essential to these successes, solidifying his status as one of the most electrifying players in international rugby.
Consequently, both the Springboks and their coach, Rassie Erasmus, were recognized as Team and Coach of the Year respectively, during a night that celebrated excellence across South African rugby.
The versatile Roos earned the title of SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for the second time in three years, having previously won this honor in 2022, showcasing her impactful performances in both the fifteens and sevens formats of the Springbok Women’s game.
Rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu claimed the Young Player of the Year award for his breakout performance this season. Jurenzo Julius was honored as the Junior Springbok Player of the Year for his remarkable displays with the SA U20s, leading to a swift ascent in senior rugby. Additionally, Selvyn Davids was named the Springbok Sevens Player of the Year following his selection in World Rugby’s Dream Team and his significant role in securing a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.
In domestic rugby, Renzo du Plessis (Fidelity ADT Lions) and Ashlon Davids (Sanlam Boland Cavaliers) earned the titles of Carling Currie Cup Players of the Year for the Premier and First Divisions respectively, while Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions) was named SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season for 2024.
Jakkie Cilliers, who led in scoring and played a pivotal role in helping the Bulls Daisies secure their second consecutive Women’s Premier Division title, was acknowledged as the Provincial Women’s Player of the Year. Meanwhile, AJ Jacobs was celebrated as the OUTsurance Referee of the Year for his exceptional officiating at both national and international levels.
The South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) was awarded the title of Associate Member of the Year for its significant contributions to rugby development, while the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union received the inaugural President’s Award for its outstanding efforts in enhancing access to the sport as well as development, governance, and performance.
Concluding an extraordinary year for SA Rugby, the awards ceremony also recognized the Springbok brand’s significant accomplishment, ranking 50th among the top 100 brands in South Africa, making it the only sports brand to achieve this milestone to date.
Mr. Mark Alexander, SA Rugby President, commended Kolbe’s accolade as a historic achievement for backline players and praised all award recipients for their contributions.
“Cheslin’s recognition is a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the field,” remarked Mr. Alexander.
“It’s remarkable to realize that the last backline player to receive this esteemed title was former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers in 2013. Cheslin’s success this year is a fitting tribute to his tremendous contributions to the Springboks over the past six years.
“He embodies the spirit of excellence that defines South African rugby. We are indeed fortunate to have such outstanding talent within our ranks, as demonstrated by the achievements of players like Nadine, Sacha, Jurenzo, and Selvyn.
“Cheslin may have been at the forefront, but every individual associated with the Springboks deserves recognition for what has been one of our finest seasons to date. Rassie’s role in transforming the team from where we stood nearly a decade ago is also deserving of applause.
Mr. Alexander also highlighted the other honorees for their invaluable contributions during the 2024 season: “Congratulations to Sanele Nohamba, Renzo, Ashlon, Jakkie, AJ, and the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union – whose Hollywoodbets Sharks captured both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Carling Currie Cup – and SASRA as well. Each of you has rightfully earned this recognition for your significant impact on South African rugby last year.
“As we reflect on a prosperous year, the Springboks and all participants in South African rugby can look ahead with optimism, continuing to build upon the solid foundation established in 2024. Wishing everyone the best for the remainder of the year – may we continue to extend our successes into 2025.”
Winners and finalists of the SA Rugby Awards 2024:
SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year: Cheslin Kolbe
Finalists: Damian De Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche
SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year: Nadine Roos
Finalists: Aseza Hele, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Vainah Ubisi
SA Rugby Young Player of the Year: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Springboks / DHL Stormers)
Finalists: Cameron Hanekom (Springboks / Vodacom Bulls), Jordan Hendrikse (Springboks / Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Springboks / Emirates Lions), Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions)
Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year: Selvyn Davids
Finalists: Zain Davids, Ryan Oosthuizen
Junior Springbok Player of the Year: Jurenzo Julius
Finalists: Bathobele Hlekani, JF van Heerden
Team of the Year: Springboks
Finalists: Hollywoodbets Sharks, Springbok Sevens
Coach of the Year: Rassie Erasmus (Springboks)
Finalists: Philip Snyman (Springbok Sevens), Jake White (Vodacom Bulls)
Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year: Renzo du Plessis (Fidelity ADT Lions)
Finalists: Clinton Swart (Airlink Pumas), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks XV)
Carling Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year: Ashlon Davids (Sanlam Boland Cavaliers)
Finalists: Jayden Bantom (Eastern Province), Thurlow Marsh (Sanlam Boland Cavaliers)
Provincial Women’s Player of the Year: Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies)
OUTsurance Referee of the Year: AJ Jacobs
President’s Award: KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union
SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season (announced last year): Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions)
SA Rugby Associate Member of the Year: SA Schools Rugby Association (SASRA)
List of SA Rugby Player of the Year winners since 1992:
1992: Tiaan Strauss
1993: Gavin Johnson
1994: Chester Williams
1995: Ruben Kruger
1996: André Joubert
1997: Os du Randt
1998: Gary Teichmann
1999: André Venter
2000: Breyton Paulse
2001: André Vos
2002: Joe van Niekerk
2003: Ashwin Willemse
2004: Schalk Burger
2005: Bryan Habana
2006: Fourie du Preez
2007: Bryan Habana
2008: Jean de Villiers
2009: Fourie du Preez
2010: Gurthrö Steenkamp
2011: Schalk Burger
2012: Bryan Habana
2013: Jean de Villiers
2014: Duane Vermeulen
2015: Lood de Jager
2016: Pieter-Steph du Toit
2017: Malcolm Marx
2018: Pieter-Steph du Toit
2019: Pieter-Steph du Toit
2020: Duane Vermeulen
2021: Siya Kolisi
2022: Eben Etzebeth
2023: Eben Etzebeth
2024: Cheslin Kolbe
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
