Etzebeth crowned back-to-back Springbok player of the year

BACK-TO-BACK: South Africa's Eben Etzebeth celebrates. Pic: Adam Davy, PA Wire.

Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has become only the second player to win back-to-back South African Rugby player of the year awards.

Etzebeth was nominated on a short list that included Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe and Damian Willemse.

The 'Boks winning the World Cup in October after victory over the All Blacks was the crowning glory of yet another memorable year for the team, led by Rassie Erasmus.

“Eben was at the front of the Springboks’ charge to their second Rugby World Cup title, backed up by the rest of the squad, coaches and management, all of whom deserve recognition for a remarkable season for South African rugby,” said SA Rugby Union president Mark Alexander.

Eben Etzebeth of South Africa celebrates in the dressing room. Pic: Julian Finney - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

“The 2023 season will be ingrained in our memories for decades to come, with the Springboks setting the tone and doing so much for nation-building and social cohesion in South Africa, but all of our national teams did well, and we are proud of all the winners.” 

Springbok wing Canan Moodie also went back-to-back, winning the young player of the year award once again.

Following their triumph in France, former head coach Jacques Nienaber and the Springboks won the awards for coach and team of the year.