Latest news with #CoachoftheSeason


The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bok bruiser Snyman named URC Players' Player of Season
RG Snyman has been rewarded for a wonderful campaign with Leinster by being named URC Players' Player of the Season. Springbok and Leinster bruiser RG Snyman was named the United Rugby Championship (URC) Players' Player of the Season, when the final two awards were announced on Friday. Snyman picked up the prestigious award, which is selected by his own peers, while the Coach of the Season award went to Zebre's Massimo Brunello. The awards came hot on the heels of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu being named SA URC Player of the Season, while Cameron Hanekom was named Next-Gen Player of the Season, seven South Africans were named in the tournament's Elite XV, and Ruben van Heerden won the Tackle Machine award. Snyman has been a revelation this season for the URC table toppers after arriving from Munster in the off season, and his 'x-factor' has been lauded as a key reason for him picking up the award. The towering lock has helped his side to top of the table in the regular season, with his offload game in particular being pivotal to the Irish province. Unique skillset One fellow player applauded his 'unique skillset' – branding him a 'very tough' opponent, saying: '(He is) a threat all over the park. Strong in the set-piece and has a unique skillset which makes him very tough to play against.' The Players' Player of the Season award was voted on by the captains and vice-captains of all 16 teams, with all nominees required to have made a minimum of nine appearances over the pool phase. Previous winners of this award include Munster's Jack Crowley last season, Leinster's Dan Sheehan back in 2022/23, and Stormers forward Evan Roos in the inaugural URC campaign. On the coaching front Brunello transformed Zebre Parma this season, leading them to superb victories over Munster, Ospreys and Dragons at home, as well as famous away wins against Ulster and Edinburgh. Their away win against Ulster ended a four-year wait for a victory on the road, and was backed up the following week with another win away against Edinburgh. The Coach of the Season is voted for by the league's head coaches, with Brunello receiving the recognition from his peers. Previous winners of this award include Graham Rowntree last season, and Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith back in 2022/23.


RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
RG Snyman named URC Players' Player of the Year
Leinster's RG Snyman has been voted the BKT URC's Players' Player of the Season, capping off an impactful debut campaign at the province. The giant second row has been integral to Leinster's run to the semi-finals, playing 13 games and scoring two tries. A powerful ball-carrier at 6ft 9in, the lock's 40 offloads - second overall in the URC - highlights his ability as a dual threat in attack. The award, which is voted for by the captains and vice-captains of each team in the URC, has previously been won by Munster's Jack Crowley, Leinster's Dan Sheehan and Stormers' back row Evan Ross. Snyman, who has agreed a contract extension to remain at Leinster next season, joined the province last summer following four years at Munster, where a series of knee injuries, and a shoulder surgery after the World Cup in 2023, left him unable to make a significant impact at Thomond Park. The 30-year-old (below) has already played 20 games in all competitions for Leinster this season, matching his total from four years at Munster. Meanwhile, Zebre Parma's Massimo Brunello has been named Coach of the Season, with the award voted for by the league's head coaches. Brunello has transformed Zebre Parma this season, leading them to victories over Munster, Ospreys and Dragons at home, as well as famous away wins against Ulster and Edinburgh. Their away against Ulster ended a four-year wait for a victory on road, and was backed up the following week with another win away against Edinburgh. Previous winners of this award include Graham Rowntree last season, and Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith back in 2022/23.


The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PSL forced to postpone end-of-season awards!
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been forced to postpone this year's end-of-season awards. In an official statement released on Tuesday, the league said the postponement is due to Mamelodi Sundowns' participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Sundowns will kick start their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on 18 June, and the PSL said they want to give them all the support they need. Sundowns will face Ulsan on 18 June, before taking on Borussia Dortmund on 21 June. They will conclude the group stages with the match against Fluminense. The Brazilians, having already won and lifted Betway Premiership trophy, are expected to dominate the awards. For instance, Miguel Cardoso is expected to walk away with the Coach of the Season award for steering Sundowns to their eighth league title in a row. Furthermore, Lucas Ribeiro Costa will take home the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award having scored 16 league goals. However, that's not the only award he is expected to win as the majority of fans feel he has been the best player this season. PSL POSTPONES 2024-25 AWARDS Official PSL statement on the 2024-25 awards. Image: @officialpsl Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.