Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth. Photo: MyPlayers.
Eben Etzebeth crowned South Africa’s best by his peers
MyPlayers announced its list of award winners — as voted for by players — for the 2023 season and Eben Etzebeth scooped the biggest prize on offer.
Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth. Photo: MyPlayers.
Eben Etzebeth has been named the MyPlayers Players’ Player of the Year after helping the Springboks to a record fourth World Cup in 2023.
THE MYPLAYERS AWARDS SYSTEM EXPLAINED
The awards – voted for by the players from all over the country – honour excellence, dedication and sportsmanship.
Overall, there are three categories — Player of the Year, Sevens Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year —dedicated to players who’ve exhibited unparalleled commitment to the game throughout the season in terms of performance and leadership.
EBEN ETZEBETH AND THE OTHER WINNERS
The 32-year-old Springbok lock was voted the South African Player of the Year, after he was shortlisted alongside fellow World Cup winners Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Frans Malherbe and Damian Willemse in that category.
The Blitzboks’ Shilton van Wyk was crowned the best sevens player in the land and Rights Mkhari took home the Women’s Player of the Year gong for her individual brilliance this past season.
PLAYER RATINGS | Best Springboks of 2023: Eben Etzebeth
“On behalf of MyPlayers, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eben, Shilton and Rights for being recognised as the outstanding award winners of 2023,” MyPlayers chairperson Jean de Villiers said.
“Their achievements not only signify personal excellence but also contribute to the collective success of the game.
“As we celebrate their success, let us also acknowledge the hard work and support of those who have been part of their journeys.”
He added: “This year’s competition was exceptionally fierce with five Rugby World Cup winners being nominated for the Player of the Year.
“One player, in particular, has had an incredible season.
“Eben Etzebeth has surely solidified his status as a legend of the game, with his back-to-back World Cup triumphs, to being nominated for the World Rugby Awards 2023 and his inclusion in the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.
“His commitment to the game, both on and off the field makes him a worthy awardee. A huge congratulations to him!”
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