Lood locks onto SA's top rugby award
Last night, Lood de Jager became the first lock since Hennie Bekker in 1983 to be crowned the South African Rugby Player of the Year.The 23-year-old Springbok is also the youngest player to win the award since 22-year-old Bryan Habana claimed the gong in 2005.De Jager, who plays for the Cheetahs, is only the third lock to win the award since its inception in 1977 - following Moaner van Heerden (1977) and Bekker.De Jager edged out Damian de Allende, Eben Etzebeth, Schalk Burger and Jaco Kriel for the top award."Personally I had an unbelievable year with the Springboks, although it was a bit up and down for the team," said De Jager.OTHER WINNERS:Players' Player of the Year Award: Jaco KrielCurrie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year: Jaco KrielTeam of the Year: Golden LionsCoach of the Year: Johan AckermannSuper Rugby Player of the Year: Damian de AllendYoung Player of the Year: Jesse KrielSA Under-20 Player of the Year: Warrick GelantSpringbok Sevens Player of the Year: Werner Kok..
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