Rugby
Kolbe and Roos named SA Rugby Players of the Year─── MORGAN PIEK 09:16 Fri, 14 Mar 2025
The South African Rugby Awards took place in Cape Town on Thursday night, with Cheslin Kolbe and Nadine Roos emerging as the big winners.
The fleet-footed Kolbe was named the South African Men’s Rugby Player of the Year for 2024, while Roos received the Women’s Player of the Year accolade.
Kolbe becomes the first winger to claim the award since Bryan Habana in 2012 and the first backline player to do so since Jean de Villiers in 2013. He played a vital role for the Springboks in 2024, helping them win 11 of their 13 Tests. As a result, the back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions were also named Team of the Year.
Roos, in turn, has now won the award for the second time in three years, having made significant contributions to the Springbok Women’s team in both the 15s and Sevens formats.
Kolbe expressed his gratitude for receiving the country’s most prestigious rugby honour.
“Receiving this award tonight is a massive honour and privilege for me. Growing up, we had legends like Breyton Paulse, Bryan Habana, and Jean de Villiers – who was the last backline player to win this award,” said Kolbe.
“So yeah, to all the backline guys out there, thank you for everything you’ve done. For me to receive this tonight is truly an honour. There is so much talent in this country, in the Springbok team, and among the players who showcased their skills throughout 2024.
“Standing here tonight to accept this award is a moment of deep gratitude – to the coaches, my teammates, and especially my family, who have supported me every step of the way. Hopefully, there will be many more to come. Thank you so much.”
Nadine Roos. Photo: Springboks
Reacting to winning the accolade for the second time, Roos, said this was down to a team effort, and her grandmother also played a big role.
“It’s a massive honour to receive this achievement, but it’s also not just the achievement I carry myself,” said Roos.
“Firstly, God-given talent and an honour and privilege to represent your country, your teammates, your coaching staff, the women’s system itself, and especially my grandmother.”
Meanwhile, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was named Coach of the Year.
SA Rugby Awards 2024 Winners:
SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year: Cheslin Kolbe
SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year: Nadine Roos
SA Rugby Young Player of the Year: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year: Selvyn Davids
Junior Springbok Player of the Year: Jurenzo Julius
Team of the Year: Springboks
Coach of the Year: Rassie Erasmus
Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year: Renzo du Plessis
Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year: Ashlon Davids
Provincial Women’s Player of the Year: Jakkie Cilliers
Referee of the Year: AJ Jacobs
President’s Award: KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union
URC Player of the Season: Sanele Nohamba
