POLL | How do you feel about the Boks squad not winning any World Rugby Awards?

30 October 2023 - 12:57 By Sinesipho Schrieber
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South Africa's Andre Esterhuizen, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, and Manie Libbok pose with The Webb Ellis Cup ahead of the World Rugby Awards.
South Africa's Andre Esterhuizen, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, and Manie Libbok pose with The Webb Ellis Cup ahead of the World Rugby Awards.
Image: GONZALO FUENTES

While the Springboks beat New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final to win the Webb Ellis trophy for a record-breaking fourth time, the All Blacks outshone the champions at the World Rugby awards on Sunday.

Springboks players did not have much luck at the awards as none of them won accolades a day after being crowned the world champions. 

South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth lost out on the Player of the Year title to New Zealand’s Ardie Savea, while Mannie Libbok, nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year, lost to New Zealand’s Mark Tele’a.

Jacques Nienaber did not get his hands on the Coach of the Year award as Ireland’s Andy Farrell took the win.

Bok Rugby World Cup 2007 captain John Smit received the International Rugby Players Special Merit award, while former SA winger Bryan Habana was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

Here is the full list of World Rugby awards winners:

  • World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard – Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
  • World Rugby Coach of the Year – Andy Farrell (Ireland)
  • World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year in partnership with Tudor – Mark Tele’a (New Zealand)
  • World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC – Rodrigo Isgro (Argentina)
  • World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC – Tyla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand)
  • World Rugby Referee Award – David McHugh (Ireland)
  • Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – George Nijaradze (Georgia)
  • Rugby for All Award – SOS Kit Aid
  • International Rugby Players Special Merit Award – John Smit (South Africa)
  • International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year – Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
  • World Rugby Hall of Fame inductees - Daniel Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dusautoir (France), George Smith (Australia), Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina), Bryan Habana (South Africa).


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