Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth named South African Rugby player of the year
Eben Etzebeth became only the second player to win back-to-back SA Rugby’s Player of the Year awards
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Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth was named the South African Rugby player of the year during the ceremony at Multichoice City in Johannesburg on Thursday evening.
He now becomes only the second player to win the award back to back after overcoming competition from fellow nominees Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe and Damian Willemse.
The 32-year-old made his Test debut for South Africa in 2012 and was part of the sides that went on to win the World Cups two successive times in 2019 and 2023.
“Eben was at the front of the Springboks’ charge to their second Rugby World Cup title, backed up by the rest of the squad, coaches and management, all of whom deserve recognition for a remarkable season for South African rugby,” said SA Rugby Union president Mark Alexander.
“The 2023 season will be ingrained in our memories for decades to come, with the Springboks setting the tone and doing so much for nation-building and social cohesion in South Africa, but all of our national teams did well, and we are proud of all the winners.”
Meanwhile, Libbie Janse van Rensburg went on to win the Springbok Women and Provincial Player of the Year for 2023.
Springbok wing Canan Moodie was named the Young Player of the Year for the second successive time with Jacques Nienaber winning the coach of the year. Ricardo Duartee was named Springbok Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, and Corne Beets the Junior Springbok Player of the Year.
