Lood locks onto SA's top rugby award

26 February 2016 - 09:08 By CRAIG RAY

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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