Siya Kolisi: SA Rugby
Siya Kolisi is the SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2021, after the popular Springbok captain garnered the most votes for his performances during a tough season.
The 30-year-old Kolisi edged out strong challenges from his national teammates Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Eben Etzebeth and Makazole Mapimpi to become the first Bok captain since Jean de Villiers in 2013 to win the top award.
Kolisi - who was named the MTN Springbok of the Castle Lager Lions Series last year and was the only Springbok to play in all 13 Tests in 2021 - led South Africa to a superb series victory over the British & Irish Lions in August and went on to captain the side under difficult circumstances in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, which culminated with a nail-biting win over the All Blacks.
The exciting Aphelele Fassi underlined his great potential by winning the Young Player of the Year award.
Fassi made his Springbok debut in 2021 and although he featured in only two Tests - scoring superb tries on both occasions - he showed that he is one for the future playing with increased maturity at fullback and on the wing.
In a brand-new category, Lusanda Dumke was named Springbok Women's Player of the Year, while the Border captain also walked away with the award for Provincial Women's Player of the Year after leading her side to the Women's Premier Division title.
Ronald Brown capped a fine debut season for the Blitzboks as he was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year, while Henco van Wyk’s performances in the Under-20 International Series saw him walk away with the award for Junior Springbok Player of the Year.
