The Springboks flanker had previously won the award in 2019, the same year as his country’s Rugby World Cup final win in Japan.
South African trio Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit have been included on the four-strong shortlist completed by Ireland’s Caelan Doris.
Having missed last year’s Rugby World Cup through non-selection, his 2024 international year was cut short after just two appearances.
In isolation, I’ve got no problem with the Dricus sideshow. They were in Perth, they are friends and as proud South Africans, showing their loyalty, but it’s probably not the recipe for success if done on a regular basis. Put it this way, they wouldn’t have done that before they’d won two World Cups, because they weren’t deemed serial winners. Once players start to forget rugby is No 1, then things can quickly go South.
Last Friday night’s All Blacks versus Springboks clash at Twickenham was one of the most atmospheric occasions at English rugby HQ in many a year.
Victor Matfield, the most capped Springboks international of all time, has named his best South African XV.
Italy are on an upward trajectory, but South Africa's World Cup winning coach can't see the Boks losing three in a row
All Blacks legend Dan Carter has named the best player and the best team he ever played against throughout his storied rugby career.
The 2009 Lions Second Test was one of the most brutal games ever seen