SA players reveal who they rate the best
NEWS: MyPlayers has revealed who are their top performers for 2023.
The awards - voted for ny the players - honour excellence, dedication and sportsmanship.
The three winners have not only demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the game, but have earned the respect of their peers.
These players received the majority of the votes in their respective categories, solidifying their status as true icons within the South African fraternity.
2023 Award Winners:
Fifteens Player of the Year
Winner: EBEN ETZEBETH
Other nominees: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Frans Malherbe, Damian Willemse
Sevens Player of the Year
Winner: SHILTON VAN WYK
Other nominees: Christie Grobbelaar, Ricardo Duarttee
Women's Player of the Year
Winner: RIGHTS MKHARI
Other nominees: Nadine Roos, Babalwa Latsha)
"On behalf of MyPlayers, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eben [Etzebeth], Shilton [van Wyk] and Rights [Mkhari] for being recognised as the outstanding award winners of 2023," Jean de Villiers, Chairperson of MyPlayers, said.
"Their achievements not only signify personal excellence but also contribute to the collective success of the game.
"As we celebrate their success, let us also acknowledge the hard work and support of those who have been part of their journeys.
"This year's competition was exceptionally fierce with five Rugby World Cup winners being nominated for the Player of the Year.
"One player, in particular, has had an incredible season.
"Eben Etzebeth has surely solidified his status as a legend of the game, with his back-to-back World Cup triumphs, to being nominated for the World Rugby Awards 2023 and his inclusion in the Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year.
"His commitment to the game, both on and off the field makes him a worthy awardee. A huge congratulations to him!"
De Villiers also congratulated fellow winners, Shilton van Wyk and Rights Mkhari:
"Shilton, the ‘Saldanha Speedster' is always exciting to watch, he has undoubtedly left his mark on the Sevens series.
"At only 23, he has secured 150 points at 15 SVNS Series tournaments.
"Most recently, he celebrated his third consecutive Dubai Sevens victory with the team and was named Player of the Final last year and made the Dream Team in 2021.
"Shilton consistently demonstrates excellence in the sport, it was a shame that he suffered an injury during the 2023 Cape Town Sevens but I look forward to watching him play in the rest of the 2023/24 series.
"The year 2023 has been a good and memorable year for our women's rugby; from confirming a core spot on the HSBC World Rugby SVNS Series to qualifying for the 2024 Olympics and competing in the WXV2 competition - it's great to witness the women's game progressing. Being named the Women's Players' Player of the Year speaks volumes of Rights' work ethic, character and how she is viewed by her peers. She's a trailblazer and breaking new ground for women's rugby in South Africa."
In their own words
Eben Etzebeth
"Receiving the Men's Fifteens Players' Player of the Year is a significant honour for me. It holds special value as it is a recognition bestowed upon me by my teammates and fellow players through their votes, making it even more meaningful. I am deeply honoured. This season has truly been an exceptional and memorable one."
Shilton van Wyk
"This season has been a remarkable journey, and I want to express my dedication to our incredible team. Their collective efforts have made it an unforgettable experience so far. I am eager and optimistic about what our team can achieve together in the future. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this system, surrounded by such talented and committed individuals. Thank you once again for this award."
Rights Mkhari
"I am beyond grateful and truly humbled to receive the Players' Player of the Year award in women's rugby. This recognition holds immense significance for me, knowing that it comes directly from the incredible individuals I am privileged to call teammates and peers. To each teammate who took the time to cast a vote, I say thank you. Your support means the world to me!"
Previous recipients of the Players' Players of the Year award: John Smit (2005), Kabamba Floors (2006), Willem de Waal (2007), Jean de Villiers (2008), Morné Steyn (2009), Gio Aplon (2010), Bismarck du Plessis (2011), JP Pietersen (2012), Willie le Roux (2013), Duane Vermeulen (2014), Jaco Kriel (2015), Jean-Luc du Preez (2016), Siya Kolisi (2017), Malcolm Marx (2018), Pieter-Steph du Toit (2019), Duane Vermeulen (2020), Cheslin Kolbe (2021), Lukhanyo Am (2022).