SA Rugby CEO Leanne Oberholtzer joins the Springboks, SA Rugby Chairman Mark Alexander and rugby associates who have been nominated for the prestigious SA Sporting Awards in 2023 and recognized for their outstanding achievements. Congratulations on your wonderful list of people.
Nominees were announced on Wednesday night, with rugby appearing on the star-studded list of nominees in nine of the 22 categories. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Sun City Super Bowl on Sunday, May 5th.
Springbok players, coaches and managers selected as finalists
SA Rugby was nominated for Sports Federation of the Year along with Cricket South Africa and Cycling South Africa, while Mr Alexander was nominated for Manager of the Year and the Springboks were nominated for Team of the Year.
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jack Nienaber, who is currently coaching in Ireland, was named Coach of the Year, while Eben Ezebeth won the 2023 SA Rugby Men's Player of the Year award. He became the second player to win this award again. Earlier this year, he was featured in the Sportsman of the Year and People's Choice Award categories.
Two-time RWC-winning captain Siya Kolisi was also shortlisted in the Sportster of the Year and People's Choice Award categories, recognizing his invaluable contribution to the Springbok team.
Springbok flyhalf Manny Livbok was named as one of the nominees for the Newcomer of the Year award, while SA Rugby's leading female referee, Amy Barrett-Theron, was also recognized for her achievements and was named Technical Officer of the Year. Ta.
SA Rugby CEO overjoyed by national recognition
Mr Oberholtzer congratulated all the nominees and thanked the SA Rugby staff for their tireless efforts in ensuring the organization was nominated for Federation of the Year.
“It is a huge achievement for rugby to be nominated in nine categories at the county’s most prestigious sporting awards and I am proud of each individual whose efforts on and off the field have been recognized,” Mr Oberholtzer said. .
“This is a testament to the daily hard work of our players, coaches, administration, match officials and staff and these nominations extend to everyone involved. We look forward to another great awards ceremony and wish them all the best of luck.” I pray.”
SA Sports Award nominees:
SA Rugby – Federation of the Year
SA Rugby Chairman Mark Alexander – Sports Administrator of the Year
Springboks – Team of the Year
Rugby World Cup winning coach Jack Nienaber – Coach of the Year
Eben Ezebeth – Sportsman of the Year and People’s Choice Award
Siya Kolisi – Sportster of the Year and People’s Choice Award
Manny Livbok – Newcomer of the Year
Rugby Referee Amy Barrett-Theron – Technical Officer of the Year
