Rassie And SARU Laud Du Toit’s Gong Triumph

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SARU president Mark Alexander have praised the achievement of flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was awarded the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year.

Du Toit, who scored a crucial try in the Boks’ victory over England last weekend, made history by becoming the first South African to win the World Men’s 15s Player of the Year award twice. The versatile flanker, who can also play lock, previously won the award in 2019 when the Springboks clinched the World Cup.

Du Toit joins an elite group of South African players who have received this prestigious honor, including Schalk Burger (2004) and Bryan Habana (2007).

“For Pieter-Steph to become the first South African to win the World Rugby Player of the Year award twice is a notable achievement, and to have seven Boks in total feature in the Dream Team is simply remarkable,” said Mr Alexander. 

“Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has built something special with the Bok team and the way the players give their all week-in and week-out is an inspiration to us all and shows that hard pays off. 

“We are very proud of them and the entire Springbok coaching and management team for their tireless efforts to ensure that our players continue to shine on the international stage.”  

Du Toit outperformed his national teammates Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth, as well as Ireland flanker Caelan Doris, to claim the award.

The Boks enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, winning the Rugby Championship, Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, and Prince William Cup (against Wales). This award is a fitting recognition of their outstanding performances throughout the year.

In 13 matches this year, the Boks secured 11 victories and suffered two narrow defeats to Ireland in the series and Argentina in a challenging away match. Erasmus is strategically building a squad capable of overcoming the challenges of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“What makes this achievement even more significant is that we utilized 50 players throughout the season, rotating the squad regularly. This highlights the exceptional quality of our players. However, rugby is a team sport, and it takes the collective effort of every squad member to create opportunities for individual brilliance.

“Considering the depth of talent in our squad, I’m confident that several other players were close to being nominated. Each of these players truly deserves recognition, and we are incredibly proud of them,” Erasmus added.

Erasmus also expressed gratitude to the entire Bok squad for their contributions this season: “It takes every individual in a squad to perform their role effectively to enable the players to deliver on the field. I extend my thanks to the winners, Dream Team players, and every other player who has been part of the squad this year. Additionally, I acknowledge the coaches, medical team, and team management for their dedication and commitment to building such a special team. This achievement is a result of collective effort, and congratulations to all involved.”

With the international season concluded, the majority of the Springbok squad will return to Johannesburg on Monday afternoon. While the coaches will enjoy a well-deserved break, the players will rejoin their respective franchises and clubs to participate in domestic competitions.