Sharks, Boks star named URC Player of the Month for January

On Wednesday, Mapimpi was named the URC Player of the Month for January, with the Springbok and Sharks wing having most memorably recorded a hat-trick of tries against the Lions.

A panel of South African rugby media singled out Mapimpi for not only his four tries in two matches in January, but also his general work rate and “anticipation and creativity on attack and his tenacity on defence – whether through his tackling or claiming the high ball”.

The media were unanimous in their praise of Mapimpi’s performances, which they agree makes him the pre-eminent winger in world rugby at present.

“Makazole Mapimpi has underlined his standing as one of the premier wings in world rugby. His ability to combine with Lukhanyo Am in particular gives the Sharks a different dynamic with ball-in-hand.

“Mapimpi is at the top of his game. He’s world class and in a league of his own.”

The speedster follows in the footsteps of his fellow Springbok outside back Warrick Gelant, who won the URC award for October.

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Mapimpi is sure to be an obvious selection for the Springboks later this year, and their confirmed schedule for 2022 can be found below:

Incoming Series fixtures (kick-off times TBC):
Saturday, 2 July: Springboks v Wales – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 9 July: Springboks v Wales – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Saturday, 16 July: Springboks v Wales – DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Rugby Championship fixtures (kick-off times TBC):
Saturday, 6 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Saturday, 13 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 27 August: Springboks v Australia – venue TBC
Saturday, 3 September: Springboks v Australia – venue TBC
Saturday, 17 September: Springboks v Argentina – Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Saturday, 24 September: Springboks v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban