‘It was a team effort’, says award winning captain Siya Kolisi

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reacted with modesty on Thursday after being rewarded for a brilliant season when he was crowned 2021 SA Rugby Player-of-the-Year.

Kolisi enjoyed a barnstorming return to international rugby, having not played with his team since the 2019 World Cup, leading them to a series win against the British and Irish Lions and an impressive victory over the All Blacks in Australia.

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“So many guys stood up in a very difficult year, and without my teammates and the coaching staff I really wouldn’t have achieved this,” said Kolisi.

“Individual achievements are not something we focus on as a team – that’s not our motive – but these things do happen so I am really honoured and grateful.”

Kolisi admitted that any of his fellow nominees, which included Eben Etzebeth, Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, would have been worthy winners of the accolade in what was a trying year for the Springboks.

“All of the nominees have been amazing and it really could have gone to anyone. We are all close friends and celebrate each other’s successes,” Kolisi said.

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The national skipper also reserved praise for exciting up-and-coming Bok talent Aphelele Fassi, who took the SA Rugby Young Player-of-the-Year award.

“I am happy for him and I hope this motivates him to work even harder to stay in the Springbok set-up,” Kolisi said.