President Mark Alexander thanked all SA Rugby award winners, but urged players and coaches to immediately focus on the Springboks’ World Cup campaign.
Tuesday marked the official announcement of the SA Rugby award winners for 2022, with Eben Etzebeth being named Player of the Year and Canan Moodie being named Young Player of the Year.
Alexander praised the winners of all nine prize categories, but singled out Etzebeth and Moodie of the Springboks for special attention.
Alexander noted that Eben has been a Springbok veteran for more than a decade, and it’s wonderful to see how he continues to improve with age, playing with maturity and offering great leadership to the Springboks.
Canan was selected Young Player of the Year, and he is likely to continue making a significant impact on South African rugby, which speaks well for the future.
Alexander has also urged players and coaches to focus solely on the Springboks in this crucial World Cup year in France, where the South African Test team will attempt to defend the Webb Ellis Cup from September 8 to October 28.
Alexander continued, “The Boks are building depth and experience in preparation for the Rugby World Cup later this year, and I believe they are in a good position under the coaching of Jacques Nienaber and the leadership of Siya.”
Not only is Eben the most experienced member of the team, but he also serves as a role model for the younger players and was widely recognized as one of the top players in the world.
Alexander added, “The new year is well underway, but there is still much rugby to be played, and all eyes will be on France in September and October when the Boks defend the Webb Ellis Cup.”
Nominees for Young SA Rugby Award in 2022 Alexander
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