Sacha Named SA URC Player Of The Season

The award was open to any player from one of the four South African franchises, and forms part of the annual SA Rugby Awards, with the winner determined by votes from the South African media, the four South African club coaches/director of rugby, and Springbok head coach, Rassie Erasmus.

A total of 17 players from all four local clubs received votes, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu coming out on top.

The 23-year-old prodigy has been prolific for the Stormers this season and finished joint-fifth on the top points scorer list at the conclusion of the league phase of the competition, despite missing the start of the season through injury.

He flourished at flyhalf, where he usurped Manie Libbok and guided the Cape side to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by the defending champion Glasgow Warriors last Friday.

Meanwhile, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s teammate Deon Fourie won the Try of the Season award following a social media vote by URC fans.

The veteran loose forward finished off a tremendous collective effort by the Capetonians against the Scarlets. There were 10 tries in total nominated, with Fourie beating some stiff competition to the award.

The Try of the Season nominees were:

Jordan Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) v Vodacom Bulls

Blair Murray (Scarlets) v Dragons RFC

Johnny Matthews (Glasgow Warriors) v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Dan Sheehan (Leinster) v Ulster

Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) v Scarlets

Jacob Stockdale (Ulster) v Vodacom Bulls

Jack Walsh (Ospreys) v Connacht

Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions) v Munster

Ben Murphy (Connacht) v Scarlets

Andy Uren (Benetton) v Connacht

Finally, the Sharks scooped the Innovation Award for ‘SharksFest’.

Determined by a selection panel, clubs were rewarded for innovation by growing the game through digital fan engagement, match day experience, and social purpose. Clubs who broke the mould and demonstrated driving a real change by increasing following and revenue were considered.

SharksFest is the ultimate matchday experience that blends rugby with a vibrant festival atmosphere. Designed to entertain fans from the moment they arrive until the leave, the event caters to families, first-time stadium attendees and die-hard fans. By offering diverse entertainment, interactive activations and engaging activities, SharskFest transforms a regular matchday into an unforgettable experience beyond the 80 minutes of play.

The Sharks and SharksFest were chosen for this award after they clearly demonstrated an enhanced matchday experience, while increasing fan engagement, attendance and overall revenue.