Kraaifontein’s Own Cheslin Kolbe is the Men’s Player of the Year—Respect!
Fast, fierce, and fearless—Chesline Kolbe rules as the king of rugby.
Screengrab from Instagram video by Bok Rugby
What a time to be a Springbok fan! Cheslin Kolbe has bagged the big one – Men’s Player of the Year at the 2024 SA Rugby Awards. And yes, he didn’t need to be there to grab his moment. While Cheslin was out playing hard in Japan for Suntory Sungoliath, his proud dêrry, Andrew Kolbe, stepped in to collect the award. A true family moment, as always with this champion.
The Springboks had a beast of a year, winning 11 out of 13 Tests, walking away with the Rugby Championship and Freedom Cup like they owned them. And Cheslin was right at the centre of the action.
He’s known for running those tries in like a speedster on a mission, but let’s not forget – this guy was throwing lineout throws and playing scrum half too! Talk about a Swiss army knife of rugby players. There’s no doubt that his lightning-fast feet and skill are something special.
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Cheslin faced some serious competition for the award. Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebth, Damian de Allende, and Ox Nche were all nominated, but in the end, it was Cheslin’s year to shine. And it’s no small feat for a backline player to grab this award – the last one to do it was the legendary Jean de Villiers in 2013.
The President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, said it perfectly: Cheslin’s win is a true reflection of his skill, commitment, and how he impacts the game. Kolbe has redefined what it means to be a top-class player in South Africa.
Cheslin wasn’t the only one celebrating. Rassie Erasmus was named Coach of the Year, because the man could probably coach a primary school team to a World Cup final.
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The Springboks bagged Team of the Year (obviously), and the young guns had their moment too. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu picked up Young Player of the Year, Jurenzo Julius got a nod for his U20 heroics, and Selvyn Davids made sure the Sevens squad got in on the action with his Player of the Year win.
This award is big, but Cheslin is far from done. The 2027 Rugby World Cup isn’t that far away, and if he keeps playing like this, defenders are going to need counselling.
To Cheslin Kolbe, 2024’s Men’s Player of the Year – you’ve earned it, boet.
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