Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was thrilled to be recognised amongst some of the all-time Springbok greats after being named SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2022 on Tuesday.
It is the first time Etzebeth has obtained the coveted award, and sees the Springbok centurion take the trophy from his nationwide captain and Sharks team-mate, Siya Kolisi, who claimed the title in 2021.
ALSO READ: Five Bok stars in line for SA Rugby Player of the Year award
Despite being named the most effective Springbok participant of the previous 12 months, Etzebeth was as humble as ever, selecting to focus extra on the crew and different gamers who had impressed.
‘Special’
“It is obviously a great privilege. I had a look at the names on the trophy and there are some wonderful individuals on there,” stated Etzebeth.
“But everyone knows rugby is a crew sport and I would love to congratulate the opposite nominees. They have been all unbelievable and there are such a lot of different guys who don’t all the time get recognised. But it’s very nice to win this trophy and get it for the first time.
“It is always special getting recognised as an individual in a team sport, but you always put the team first and want the team to do well.”
It would possibly come as a shock to some that at 31-years-old and having performed over 100 video games for the Boks, that Etzebeth would solely be receiving the award for the first time now, but he admits that he’s repeatedly motivated to preserve bettering and taking part in on the highest stage yearly.
“For me it’s quite simple, just playing for the Springboks is the biggest motivation. It is such an honour representing my country every weekend and just seeing where we go and the support we get,” stated Etzebeth.
“Seeing new guys come through the system and how special it is for them is also great. I am lucky enough to call this my job and what a job to have. I always want to try and get better at it and it is an awesome experience.”
Big 12 months
It is an enormous 12 months for the Boks with them set to defend their World Cup title on the showpiece occasion in France, kicking off in September and Etzebeth is trying ahead to the problem.
“It is a big year for all the players and coaches. This is the first time for many of us going into a World Cup as defending champions. So it is going to be a great challenge for us and we are all excited,” stated Etzebeth.
A complete host of different award winners have been additionally named by SA Rugby on Tuesday, with Nadine Roos selecting up the Springbok ladies’s participant of the 12 months award, Canan Moodie the SA Rugby younger participant of 12 months, JC Pretorius the Springbok sevens participant of the 12 months and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu the junior Springbok participant of the 12 months.
The Stormers have been named crew of the 12 months for his or her inaugural United Rugby Championship title win, whereas their coach John Dobson was then duly named coach of the 12 months to spherical out the foremost award winners.
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