144kg monster among 3-man SA URC Player of the Season shortlist

The three-player shortlist for the South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season award has been confirmed, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw earning nominations for their consistency throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Voting closed on Friday. Input was gathered from the Springbok coaching team, the coaching staffs of the four South African URC franchises, and members of the rugby media. In total, 17 players received votes.

Stormers stand-off Feinberg-Mngomezulu was a regular contributor to the Cape Town-based franchise’s attacking efforts during the regular season.

He finished joint-fifth on the overall points scoring chart but it was his star turn as a playmaking attacking threat that caught the eye.

Block-busting Bulls back-row Hanekom led several defensive and attacking metrics for the Bulls. The 6’4, 104kg No.8 made more tackles, beat more defenders, and won more turnovers than any of his teammates. He also ranks fifth in the league for offloads.

Louw’s performances at tighthead prop have coincided with the Bulls’ strong showing at scrum time. The Pretoria-based side’s scrum has statistically been the best in the competition this season and the 144kg giant played a key role in that regard.

All three players were involved in the Springboks’ alignment camp in Cape Town last week. Their inclusion on the shortlist strengthens their case for further national recognition with tghe Boks ahead of the July Test window.

The winner will be announced on Thursday, 5 June, as part of the annual Vodacom URC Awards.