Latest news with #SARugbyYoungPlayeroftheYear
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Sacha scoops Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw to win SA URC Player of the Season Award
The awards keep coming for Springbok and Stormers utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has been crowned South Africa's United Rugby Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25. On his mantle piece, he already has the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one of four South African players who won awards this season, with Cameron Hanekom, Deon Fourie, and Ruben van Heerden also featuring amongst the winners for 2024/25, while the Sharks were also rewarded for their innovative approach to the match day experience. The talented 23-year-old went up against two of his Springbok teammates, the Bulls duo of Hanekom and Wilco Louw, for the prestigious South African award, and his sublime form for the Stormers, in which he dictated play with class and played a key role in the team's goal-kicking, saw him grab the title.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sacha leads the way for SA in URC as he's named Player of Season
Feinberg-Mngomezulu's playmaking and goal-kicking has led to him tallying 98 points for himself and many more for the Stormers this URC. Stormers star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been voted the URC's SA Player of the Season. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Despite missing half the season to injury, utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been voted South Africa's United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season. The 23-year-old Stormers star joins Cameron Hanekom, Deon Fourie, and Ruben van Heerden among the local players to receive honours for their performances during the URC's regular season. He was up against eighthman Hanekom and tighthead prop Wilco Louw from the Bulls for the award. Sacha 'lit up the field' In the end, his playmaking and goal-kicking were determined to have made a greater impact for his side as he amassed 98 points in 10 matches. These included four tries, four drop-goals, eight penalties and 21 conversions, plus many more scores he created for others. 'Sacha is undoubtedly one of the finest young talents in the country. His ability to deliver quality performances consistently is a testament to the excellent player he is,' said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander. 'He lit up the field this season and made a massive contribution to his team's success on attack, scoring in every possible way.' The eight-capped Springbok was also awarded the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2024. But he is not the only bright light for South Africa on the global stage. More SA players shine in the URC Hanekom was named the URC's Next-Gen Player of the Season for his carries, tackling and steals at the breakdown that played a role in the Bulls' wrestling momentum from sides and helping them finish second on the table. Meanwhile, Fourie's stunning score for the DHL Stormers against Scarlets was voted the Try of the Season. The experienced Springbok forward got on the end of a sensational team effort, jam-packed full of offloads, dummies and sizzling footwork. There were 10 tries in total nominated, with Fourie beating some stiff competition for the award. The 38-year-old flanker will appreciate the nod after a difficult season battling a bad leg injury that looked to end his career at one point. This while another Stormers player, lock Ruben van Heerden was named as the recipient of the Tackle Machine Award. This after making 171 tackles at an incredible success rate of 98%. 'It's easy for players to go and hide in defence. But I think that is where character is shown,' Van Heerden said after receiving his award. The Sharks won the Innovation Award for SharksFest, aimed at growing digital fan engagement, matchday experience and social purpose. URC's Elite XV The tournament's Elite XV includes five locally-based South African players and two playing overseas (Marnus van der Merwe and RG Snyman). Elite XV: Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Tom Farrell (Munster), André Esterhuizen (Sharks), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Craig Casey (Munster), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), RG Snyman (Rugby), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls)
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Feinberg-Mngomezulu named SA's URC Player of the Season
Springbok and Stormers utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added to his SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award for 2024 by being crowned South Africa's United Rugby Championship Player of the Season for 2024-25. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one of four South African players who won URC awards this season, with Cameron Hanekom, Deon Fourie, and Ruben van Heerden also featuring among the winners. The Sharks were also rewarded for their innovative approach to the match-day experience. The talented 23-year-old went up against two of his Springbok teammates, the Bulls' duo of Hanekom and Wilco Louw, for the prestigious South African award. His sublime form for the Stormers, in which he dictated play with class and played a major role in the team's goal-kicking, saw him grab the title. Feinberg-Mngomezulu follows in the footsteps of former Lions utility back Sanele Nohamba — now plying his trade in Japan — and Stormers teammates Evan Roos and Manie Libbok, who won the award in the last three seasons.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok, Stormers star named URC Player of the Season
The accolades keep rolling in for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who was named the 2024 SA Rugby Young Player of the Year, and has now walked away with the award as the South African URC Player of the Season for 2024/25. Feinberg-Mngomezulu follows in the footsteps of former Lions utility back Sanele Nohamba (who is currently plying his trade in Japan), and his Stormers teammates Evan Roos and Manie Libbok, who won the award in the last three seasons. The talented 23-year-old came up trumps after going up against two of his Springbok teammates, the Bulls duo of Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander praised the young star's outstanding season: 'Sacha is undoubtedly one of the finest young talents in the country. His ability to deliver quality performances consistently is a testament to the excellent player he is. He lit up the field this season and made a massive contribution to his team's success on attack, scoring in every possible way.' The former Junior Springbok captain made his Test debut against Wales at Twickenham in June last year, and went on to earn eight caps for the Springboks in their impressive 2024 season, in which they won 11 out of 13 Test matches and were crowned the Rugby Championship winners. 'I'm not shy to admit that I've been injured a few times and have begun to understand the rehab process,' Feinberg-Mngomezulu commented. 'But this time it was different. I had a different focus and drive to get back to playing good rugby again. I wanted to come back harder and stronger, and I feel I did. 'I think that's why I'm so honoured by the Player of the Season award. Prior to my return from injury I was very clear about wanting to return and play at an optimal level. I was really working hard behind the scenes. I have never worked so hard in my career to come back. I wanted to push myself as hard as I could to help my team, and this award really encapsulated all of that for me.' 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.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Should Feinberg-Mngomezulu or Pollard be Springbok flyhalf in All Blacks Eden Park Test?
Ashfak Mohamed | Published 15 minutes ago Ruck&Maul Column I was honestly worried about Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's injury situation earlier this season. He just didn't seem like he could put a few matches together before breaking down. The collarbone injury sustained against the Sharks in December was the latest problem. In fact, in the two previous games against the Sharks and Lions, Feinberg-Mngomezulu went off with concussion and hip issues, respectively. That of course all happened after a knee injury against the All Blacks saw him ruled out of the Springbok November tour as well. After earning the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, Feinberg-Mngomezulu said the 'injury layoff served me well', and that 'I don't take any opportunity for granted. I've had injuries, and understand that game-time is never given'. He made his belated return against the Scarlets in Wales on March 22, and inspired his team to a 29-17 win. There was a bit of 'red mist' in the 38-34 loss to Ulster in Belfast, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu was back at his irresistible best in last weekend's 34-29 win over Connacht in Cape Town. The 23-year-old flyhalf showcased his full array of skills – pace, panache, power, little chips, dummy passes, long passes... you name it. A sensational 25-minute hat-trick from the Bishops product set the platform for the win, although the Stormers' leaky defence nearly blew it on the day – with only an obstruction in the final move stopping Connacht from pulling off a win. But now the big question remains: should Feinberg-Mngomezulu start ahead of Handré Pollard against the All Blacks at Eden Park on September 6? Yes, there are lots of Tests before and afterwards, but that is surely the biggest Test of the year for Rassie Erasmus' team – at least until the South Africans square off against Ireland in Dublin on November 22. Some fans will point to the French Test at the Stade de France in Paris on November 8 as another massive one, but for me, New Zealand at Eden Park and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium are even more important. The All Blacks haven't lost at the famous Auckland venue in 50 matches since 1994 – when they incidentally drew 18-18 against the Boks in a 'dead-rubber Test' after already winning the series 2-0 in the first two games. New Zealand have won 48 and drawn two over the last 30 years, with the other stalemate the 15-15 score-line against the 2017 British and Irish Lions. So, while Erasmus experimented with combinations last year and will continue to do so in 2025 in the name of growing depth for the 2027 World Cup, the best team must play against the All Blacks at Eden Park. Who's it going to be at flyhalf: Feinberg-Mngomezulu or Pollard? The latter is currently finishing off his stint at Leicester Tigers in England before heading home to join the Bulls on July 1. Pollard doesn't have to prove his worth as a player or leader to Erasmus, but he would need to display the necessary form to wear the No 10 jersey in Auckland on September 6. There are Tests against Italy, Georgia and Australia for Erasmus to run the rule over his two main pivots – and Manie Libbok will hopefully also be back from injury by then – before the Boks travel to New Zealand. But I would go for Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and the reason is two-fold. He has shown that he can handle the big occasion by starring against the Kiwis and Wallabies last season, and is currently in outstanding form. His vast repertoire ties in with what assistant coach Tony Brown is trying to do with the evolution of the Bok attack heading towards 2027 – that the world champions are so much more than just a forward-based side who can only score tries off scrums and mauls. Feinberg-Mngomezulu also needs to experience starting a Test match in New Zealand. He has shone at Twickenham as well, but the All Blacks are the ultimate test for the Bok team. Can he go toe-to-toe with a Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett or Damian McKenzie in a high-stakes Rugby Championship showdown? Feinberg-Mngomezulu can only benefit from that situation, and it may provide Erasmus with a few answers before the 2027 World Cup.
