Vodacom Bulls Shine in 2024 SA Rugby Awards Nominations
The Vodacom Bulls have made a strong impression in the nominations for the 2024 SA Rugby Awards, with Director of Rugby Jake White, loose forward Cameron Hanekom, and lock JF van Heerden earning recognition alongside three of the Bulls Daisies stars—Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, and Vainah Ubisi.
Jake White has been nominated for the coveted Coach of the Year award after leading the Bulls through a remarkable season. Under his guidance, the team reached the Grand Final of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, the Quarterfinals of the Investec Champions Cup, and secured a spot in the Carling Currie Cup knockouts, with White mentoring Phiwe Nomlomo, who managed the team during the tournament.
Two of White’s proteges, Cameron Hanekom and Junior Springbok JF van Heerden, have been shortlisted for the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, highlighting the Bulls’ commitment to developing young talent.
The Bulls Daisies, back-to-back Women’s Premier League champions, boast three nominees—Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, and Vainah Ubisi—for the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award. These players played pivotal roles in the Springbok Women’s success, helping secure the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2025 in England.
Acknowledging Excellence
Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Bulls Company, praised the nominees for their exceptional performances:
“Congratulations to all our nominees. This recognition is well-deserved and reflects the hard work, dedication, and pride with which they’ve represented the Bulls. Their contributions have been instrumental in making this season memorable for our franchise and fans. We also acknowledge the incredible effort of our coaching and management teams in nurturing such talent.”
National and International Acclaim
Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, recently crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, leads the shortlist for the SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year. He is joined by Damian De Allende, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Ox Nche—stellar players who have consistently delivered standout performances in the Green and Gold.
Etzebeth, Kolbe, De Allende, and Nche also featured prominently on the global stage, with nominations for the World Rugby Awards and selections in the 2024 Dream Team.
SA Rugby’s President, Mark Alexander, commended the nominees:
“These nominations celebrate the excellence we’ve witnessed this year, from our national teams to grassroots levels. I congratulate every nominee and extend my gratitude to all players, coaches, referees, and sponsors who contribute to rugby’s success in South Africa.”
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Young Player of the Year: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cameron Hanekom, Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn, and Henco van Wyk are recognized for their breakthrough performances, with several making their Test debuts in 2024.
- Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year: Selvyn Davids, Zain Davids, and Ryan Oosthuizen were key figures in the Blitzboks’ bronze medal-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics.
- Junior Springbok Player of the Year: Bathobele Hlekani, Jurenzo Julius, and JF van Heerden received nominations for their contributions to the South African Under-20 team.
- Team of the Year: The Springboks and Blitzboks compete alongside the Hollywoodbets Sharks for this honor.
- Coach of the Year: Jake White is up against Rassie Erasmus and Philip Snyman for this prestigious award.
The nominees span nine categories, with winners set to be announced early next year.
Complete List of Nominees
SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year:
Damian De Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Ox Nche
SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year:
Aseza Hele, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Nadine Roos, Vainah Ubisi
SA Rugby Young Player of the Year:
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cameron Hanekom, Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn, Henco van Wyk
Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year:
Selvyn Davids, Zain Davids, Ryan Oosthuizen
Junior Springbok Player of the Year:
Bathobele Hlekani, Jurenzo Julius, JF van Heerden
Team of the Year:
Hollywoodbets Sharks, Springboks, Springbok Sevens
Coach of the Year:
Rassie Erasmus, Philip Snyman, Jake White
Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year:
Renzo du Plessis, Clinton Swart, Vincent Tshituka
Carling Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year:
Jayden Bantom, Ashlon Davids, Thurlow Marsh
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