In a night that celebrated excellence in South African rugby, speedster Cheslin Kolbe etched his name into the history books by becoming the first backline player to win the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year title since 2013.

The dazzling awards ceremony took place at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town yesterday evening, where Kolbe's remarkable contributions to the sport in the 2024 season were duly recognized.

Kolbe’s phenomenal performance throughout the year helped the Springboks secure 11 victories out of 13 Tests, culminating in reclaiming the Rugby Championship and Freedom Cup titles. His electrifying pace and unparalleled skill on the field have solidified his status as one of the preeminent talents in world rugby. While mainly a try-scoring winger, Kolbe popped up as a lineout thrower and scrumhalf for the Boks in a year that saw them experiment and build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

This year’s awards not only highlighted Kolbe's brilliance but also recognized the Springboks as the Team of the Year, with head coach Rassie Erasmus earning accolades as Coach of the Year. The evening was a fitting tribute to a season marked by triumphs and accomplishments across all levels.

Nadine Roos took home the Women’s Player of the Year award for a second time, a reflection of her exceptional talent and contributions to both the fifteens and Sevens formats within the Springbok Women's team. Emerging talent Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu received the Young Player of the Year award, recognizing his rise to prominence at international and franchise level, while Jurenzo Julius was honored as the Junior Springbok Player of the Year after an impressive progression from the U20s to senior rugby.

Additionally, Selvyn Davids, a standout performer in the World Rugby Sevens Dream Team, was named the Springbok Sevens Player of the Year for his crucial contributions during the Olympic campaign in Paris. On the domestic front, accolades went to Renzo du Plessis of the Lions and Ashlon Davids of the Boland Cavaliers, both of whom were celebrated as Currie Cup Players of the Year for the Premier and First Divisions, respectively.

Meanwhile, Sanele Nohamba of the Lions secured the SA URC Player of the Season Award for 2024 after some stellar contributions to the Lions. While Nohamba departed the Gauteng side to continue his rugby journey in Japan, the diminutive halfback, comfortable at scrumhalf and flyhalf, fully deserved the title.

Recognition also extended to Jakkie Cilliers, honored as the Provincial Women’s Player of the Year after leading the Bulls Daisies to a second consecutive Women’s Premier Division title, and referee AJ Jacobs, who was awarded the OUTsurance Referee of the Year for his remarkable officiating across various competitions.

Mark Alexander, SA Rugby president, hailed Kolbe's accolade as a milestone moment for backline players, recalling the last time a player of that position took the honor.

“Cheslin’s recognition is a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the field,” said Alexander.

“It’s amazing to think that the last backline player to win the top award was former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers in 2013, and to have Cheslin take the top prize this year is just reward for the amazing things he’s done for the Springboks in the last six years.”

SA Rugby Awards winners

SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year: Cheslin Kolbe
SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year: Nadine Roos
SA Rugby Young Player of the Year: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year: Selvyn Davids
Junior Springbok Player of the Year: Jurenzo Julius
Team of the Year: Springboks
Coach of the Year: Rassie Erasmus (Springboks)
Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year: Renzo du Plessis
Carling Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year: Ashlon Davids
Provincial Women’s Player of the Year: Jakkie Cilliers
OUTsurance Referee of the Year: AJ Jacobs
President’s Award: KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union
SA URC Player of the Season (announced last year): Sanele Nohamba (Lions)
SA Rugby Associate Member of the Year: SA Schools Rugby Association (SASRA)