SA Rugby delighted with three nominations at World Rugby Awards

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has applauded Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, lock Eben Etzebeth and flyhalf Manie Libbok for their 2023 World Rugby Awards nominations.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday at Opéra Garnier in Paris, after Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

Nienaber, who will be in charge of his final Bok game on Saturday, is in the running for the World Rugby Coach of the Year award.

The Bok coach saw his side win 10 out of the 12 games they played in the international rugby window this year. Also in line for the award are Ireland’s Andy Farrell, All Blacks mentor Ian Foster and Simon Raiwalui of Fiji.

Player of the Year

Etzebeth is up for the biggest award of the night, World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year.

The big lock has been in outstanding form for the Springboks this season and played a vital part in the team’s progression to reaching the final of the World Cup. The Sharks star will have to fight off competition from France captain Antione Dupont, Ireland inside centre Bundee Aki and All Blacks loose forward Adrie Savea.

Meanwhile, Libbok is nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year alongside Louis Bielle-Biarrey of France, and New Zealand Mark Tele’a and Tamaiti Williams.

Libbok started the Test season as the Boks’ first-choice flyhalf in the absence of Handre Pollard. He took to the responsibility well, performing at a high level.

The trio were congratulated by SA Rugby boss, Alexander, who said their nominations were a show of the good work put in by the coaches and players.

“We would like to congratulate Jacques, Eben and Manie for being nominated for these prestigious awards and we wish them luck for the awards ceremony,” said Alexander.

“These awards recognise the best coaches and players in the world, and to have nominees in three categories is a testament to the class of our coaches and players in South Africa.

South Africa-born Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe is also nominated for the International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year for the try he scored against England in February.