Springbok star Pieter-Steph du Toit has made history, becoming the first South African to win the prestigious World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award twice.
The 32-year-old received the honour during the World Rugby Awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Du Toit, who also claimed the title in 2019, was shortlisted alongside Springbok teammates Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth, as well as Ireland’s Caelan Doris.
The evening also celebrated South African rugby, with seven Springbok players named in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team for 2024, including Du Toit, Kolbe, Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende, and Jesse Kriel.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized, and I share this with my teammates who have worked so hard throughout the season,” said Du Toit.
While Du Toit led the accolades, New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi was named Breakthrough Player of the Year, narrowly beating South Africa’s rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Selvyn Davids of the Blitzboks earned a spot in the Men’s Sevens Dream Team, and SA Rugby received the Rugby for All Award for its sustainability initiative, “The Bag That Builds.”
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the team, highlighting their 84.6% win record in 2024, which included victories in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and other key tournaments.
“Having seven players in the Dream Team and Pieter-Steph making history underscores the incredible talent and dedication of this group,” Alexander said.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized the depth of the squad, noting the team’s success despite utilizing 50 players this season. “This is a testament to the collective effort of the players, coaches, and staff,” Erasmus stated.
Despite leading the Springboks to their second consecutive Rugby World Cup victory in 2023, Erasmus did not receive the World Rugby Coach of the Year award. This decision has sparked debate among rugby analysts and fans.
France’s Jérôme Daret, who led the French men’s sevens team to Olympic gold in Paris, was awarded Coach of the Year.
The Springbok squad will return to Johannesburg on Monday, with players resuming their club commitments after a stellar year for South African rugby.
