Eben Etzebeth was the sole player from the Springboks to be honoured during World Rugby’s awards evening in Paris on Sunday night.
World Player of the Year nominee Etzebeth was one of three Bok representatives up for World Rugby awards, with Jacques Nienaber in the running for Coach of the Year, while flyhalf Manie Libbok was nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year.
“Look at how my hair looks, thanks to RG Snyman at 5 o’clock this morning!”
Eben Etzebeth was on the receiving end of a dodgy late-night haircut after South Africa’s @rugbyworldcup win 😅#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/0xHLhwUsEN
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
However, none of the three were successful in their respective categories, despite helping the Springboks become the first team to win four World Cup titles less than a day before the ceremony got underway.
All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea was crowned as the Men’s Player of the Year, while Andy Farrell was named Coach of the Year, recognising his achievement in helping Ireland win a Six Nations Grand Slam and hold onto the top spot in the rankings for 15 months.
Meanwhile, All Blacks wing Mark Telea was named Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Etzebeth was the only player from the Springboks to be named in World Rugby’s Men’s Dream Team for 2023, with France and Ireland represented by five players despite falling out in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
🇫🇷☘️☘️🇿🇦🇳🇿☘️🇫🇷🇳🇿🇫🇷🇳🇿🇳🇿☘️☘️🇫🇷🇫🇷
The 2023 Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership with @Capgemini#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/8tBMY6AqTA
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
2023’s supreme side
The World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, in partnership with @Capgemini#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ys2q2UGhb8
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
During the ceremony, former Bok captain John Smit received a Special Merit Award for his service since retiring, while Bryan Habana was inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame.
South African-born Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe’s try against England in the Six Nations was named the Try of the Year.
An instant classic ⚡
Duhan van der Merwe’s solo finish against England is named the @intrugbyplayers Men’s Try of the Year#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ExwPIuf0ty
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images