Springbok star Pieter-Steph du Toit has made history as the first South African to win the World Men’s 15s Player of the Year award twice. The 32-year-old flanker, who first received the honor in 2019, was recognized at a prestigious awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday evening, cementing his legacy as one of rugby’s greats.
Du Toit faced stiff competition for the coveted award, with fellow Springboks Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth, as well as Ireland’s Caelan Doris, also nominated. His exceptional performance throughout the season, marked by his tenacity, leadership, and skill on the field, earned him this global recognition.
Springboks Dominate Dream Team
In addition to Du Toit’s win, six of his South African teammates were named to the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team for 2024. The lineup included stalwarts Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende, and Jesse Kriel. This achievement underscores the dominance of the Springboks, who are currently the world’s top-ranked rugby team.
The Dream Team selections were a highlight of a spectacular evening that celebrated South Africa’s rugby achievements on a global stage.
A Year of Triumphs for South African Rugby
2024 has been a standout year for the Springboks, who maintained an impressive 84.6% win rate. They claimed multiple trophies, including the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, the Freedom Cup, and the Prince William Cup against Wales.
Selvyn Davids, captain of South Africa’s Blitzboks, also brought pride to the nation by earning a place in the Men’s Sevens Dream Team. Additionally, SA Rugby received the Rugby for All Award, recognizing its impactful efforts to uphold rugby’s values and promote inclusivity.
Recognition and Gratitude
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the players for their dedication and outstanding performance. He described the accolades as a fitting reward for the team’s hard work and achievements throughout the season.
The Springboks’ success, coupled with Du Toit’s historic win, reflects the strength of South African rugby and its contribution to the sport worldwide. The nation celebrates these achievements as milestones in its rich rugby history.
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