The curtains have closed on the SA Rugby Awards, leaving a trail of triumph and disappointment. Here's a rundown of the night's big winners and those who didn't quite make the mark.
Malcolm Marx, fresh from clinching the 2025 World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, predictably scooped up the SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award too. His stellar performance throughout the year, including a crucial role in the Springboks' Rugby Championship victory, has solidified his status as one of the finest hookers to grace the South African game. "It’s an honor to stand among the greats and contribute to our team’s success," Marx stated, reflecting on his remarkable year.
"It’s an honor to stand among the greats and contribute to our team’s success."
Rassie Erasmus, not just a strategic mastermind but now a decorated one, walked away with the Coach of the Year award. His leadership not only led the Springboks to an undefeated end-of-year tour and another Rugby Championship title but also marked his 50th test as head coach. Erasmus commented, "To reach this milestone and to contribute to the legacy of Springbok rugby is something truly special."
"To reach this milestone and to contribute to the legacy of Springbok rugby is something truly special."
Nadine Roos shone brightly, clinching the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for the third time and making history as the first to win it back-to-back. Her pivotal role in the Springbok Women's historic World Cup run has not gone unnoticed, further establishing her as one of the icons of women’s rugby in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Ethan Hooker burst onto the international scene with memorable performances, earning him the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nomination and ultimately winning the night at the SA Rugby Awards.
However, not everyone left with a smile. Swys de Bruin, despite leading the Springbok Women to their best World Cup finish, missed out on the Coach of the Year accolade, overshadowed by Erasmus' stellar year. The Springbok Women, despite their impressive campaign, were also overshadowed by the men's team for the Team of the Year Award.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, a crowd favorite, was notably snubbed, highlighting the intense competition and depth within the Springboks squad. Despite an outstanding season, he only held onto his previously awarded SA URC Player of the Year trophy.
The Griquas, having defied the odds to clinch the Currie Cup, left empty-handed, a reminder of the fierce competition and the unpredictable nature of rugby accolades.
As the dust settles on the awards, the stories of victory and near-misses paint a vivid picture of another thrilling year in South African rugby.
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The curtains have closed on the SA Rugby Awards, leaving a trail of triumph and disappointment. Here's a rundown of the night's big winners and those who didn't quite make the mark.
Malcolm Marx, fresh from clinching the 2025 World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, predictably scooped up the SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award too. His stellar performance throughout the year, including a crucial role in the Springboks' Rugby Championship victory, has solidified his status as one of the finest hookers to grace the South African game. "It’s an honor to stand among the greats and contribute to our team’s success," Marx stated, reflecting on his remarkable year.
"It’s an honor to stand among the greats and contribute to our team’s success."
Rassie Erasmus, not just a strategic mastermind but now a decorated one, walked away with the Coach of the Year award. His leadership not only led the Springboks to an undefeated end-of-year tour and another Rugby Championship title but also marked his 50th test as head coach. Erasmus commented, "To reach this milestone and to contribute to the legacy of Springbok rugby is something truly special."
"To reach this milestone and to contribute to the legacy of Springbok rugby is something truly special."
Nadine Roos shone brightly, clinching the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for the third time and making history as the first to win it back-to-back. Her pivotal role in the Springbok Women's historic World Cup run has not gone unnoticed, further establishing her as one of the icons of women’s rugby in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Ethan Hooker burst onto the international scene with memorable performances, earning him the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nomination and ultimately winning the night at the SA Rugby Awards.
However, not everyone left with a smile. Swys de Bruin, despite leading the Springbok Women to their best World Cup finish, missed out on the Coach of the Year accolade, overshadowed by Erasmus' stellar year. The Springbok Women, despite their impressive campaign, were also overshadowed by the men's team for the Team of the Year Award.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, a crowd favorite, was notably snubbed, highlighting the intense competition and depth within the Springboks squad. Despite an outstanding season, he only held onto his previously awarded SA URC Player of the Year trophy.
The Griquas, having defied the odds to clinch the Currie Cup, left empty-handed, a reminder of the fierce competition and the unpredictable nature of rugby accolades.
As the dust settles on the awards, the stories of victory and near-misses paint a vivid picture of another thrilling year in South African rugby.