Bulls’ Embrose Papier crowned SA URC Player of the Season

The award was decided through votes from the Springbok coaching staff, the coaches of South Africa’s four URC franchises and selected local broadcast commentators.

Papier joins an impressive list of previous winners that includes Evan Roos, Manie Libbok, Sanele Nohamba and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

The dynamic scrumhalf has been one of the standout performers in this year’s competition. Using his trademark speed and attacking flair, Papier scored nine tries during the regular season and added two more in the Bulls’ quarter-final win over Munster, where he earned Player of the Match honours.

He has also contributed five assists, beaten 25 defenders and made 15 clean breaks throughout the campaign.

Born in the Western Cape, Papier earned a call-up to the recent Springbok alignment camp after enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. He was only 21 when he made his Test debut against Wales in 2018 and went on to earn seven caps that year.

Reflecting on his journey back to top form, Papier said:

“I just kept working.

“I knew I could still do it. It was just little things I had to work on. I have become a lot calmer over the years and started making better decisions on the field.

“In the past, I used to just pass a lot and see what happens. But now I analyse teams.

“The more experience you gain, the better decisions you make. You can see when the forwards are going forward or being tackled backwards, then you know when to make the ball slow or fast.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls also received recognition off the field after being awarded the URC Innovation Award.

According to the official URC description, the award honours those working behind the scenes to improve the rugby experience for supporters.

“It recognises people behind the scenes who are working hard to make rugby the greatest experience for fans both on and off the field,” the statement said.

“Connecting with supporters and encouraging new audiences to fall in love with rugby is seen as key to continuing to grow the league and the game.

“The submission by the Vodacom Bulls, entitled ‘Where Rugby Meets Entertainment’, has that goal front and centre and it has seen them chosen as the winners of the Innovation Award by a URC Committee.

“The Pretoria-based franchise have redefined the matchday experience through a consistent and innovative focus on entertainment, seamlessly blending elite sport with live music and fan engagement.

“By creating a dynamic collaboration between rugby and entertainment, they are attracting new audiences and enhancing the overall stadium atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld.”

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