Kolbe, Vermeulen win big at Players Choice Awards

Springbok World Cup winners Cheslin Kolbe and Duane Vermeulen were the big winners at this year’s BrightRock Players Choice Awards, in partnership with MyPlayers – the South African rugby players’ union.

The winners in 2021 were voted for by their peers, while the Fans’ Choice Award was given to the player who got the most votes by this country’s rugby viewing public.

In total, 30 players were nominated across seven categories.

Springbok No 8 Vermeulen was voted the fans’ favourite, while Kolbe was named the Players’ Player of the Year.

Springbok women’s player and national team captain Lusanda Dumke was named Most Improved Player in 2021.

The awards were announced on Thursday.

Winners

Forward Player of the Year: Siya Kolisi

Backline Player of the Year: Damian de Allende

Defender of the Year: Lukhanyo Am

Best off the bench: Trevor Nyakane

Most Improved Player: Lusanda Dumke

Fans’ Choice Award: Duane Vermeulen

Players’ Player of the Year: Cheslin Kolbe