SA rugby awards announced

SA Rugby has confirmed the names of finalists in the various categories of the 2006 Absa SA Rugby Annual Awards. The ceremony, which will be attended by the touring Springbok squad, will be held on November 1 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The highlight of the glittering evening will be the announcement of the Absa SA Rugby Player of the Year Award winner. Winners in recent years include Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Ashwin Willemse, Joe van Niekerk, Andre Vos, Breyton Paulse and Andre Venter.

Leading the nominations, are: Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, Luke Watson and Pierrie Spies.

Other nominations in the six categories are: Gary Botha, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Phillip Burger, Keegan Daniels, Andries Hough, Kabamba Floors, Pedrie Wannenburg and Hottie Louw.

The panel of judges comprises leading rugby journalists and SA Rugby representatives, who will cast their votes to determine the overall winner in each category. The Absa Player's Player of the Year will also be announced at the event.

Springbok captain, John Smit scooped this prestigious award last year, while veteran prop forward Os du Randt was the most popular choice in 2004.

Judged separately the Sasol Springbok Media awards will honour print and Internet journalists, photographers and TV presenters/commentators.

The Absa SA Rugby Awards nominations are (names in alphabetical order):

ABSA SA RUGBY PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2006

Fourie du Preez, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies, Luke Watson

SASOL MOST PROMISING PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2006

Gio Aplon, Keegan Daniel, Hilton Lobberts, JP Pietersen, Pierre Spies

VODACOM RUGBY SUPER 14 PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT 2006

Schalk Burger, Gary Botha, Victor Matfield, Wynand Olivier, Luke Watson

ABSA CURRIE CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT 2006

Willem de Waal, Kabamba Floors, Jaco Pretorius, Pierre Spies, Luke Watson

VODACOM CUP PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2006

Keegan Daniel, John Daniel, Andries Hough, Piet Krause, Chiliboy Ralepelle

SUPERSPORT TRY OF THE YEAR 2006

Gio Aplon, Hottie Louw, Breyton Paulse, Ruan Pienaar, Pedrie Wannenburg - Sapa