Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe and flank Pieter-Steph du Toit are among the nominees for World Rugby’s Player of the Year award for 2019.
The duo joins four other candidates, including the All Blacks’ Ardie Savea and England flank Tom Curry as well as Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones. USA hooker Joe Taufete’e is also up for the award, providing a representative from a tier two nation.
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The last South African to win the award was former wing Bryan Habana in 2007. The only other South African to be named World Player of the Year was Schalk Burger in 2006.
Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx were nominees for last year’s award, which was won by Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton.
After an excellent debut season in 2018, Kolbe has carried that form into 2019, scoring five tries in six appearances this year. Du Toit, SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2018, has also enjoyed another stellar season, helping the Boks into the World Cup final.
The Springboks are up for Team of the Year, while Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has been nominated for Coach of the Year.
Photo: Getty Images
