Loose forward, Willie Engelbrecht, has been named the New Nation Construction Pumas Player of the Year.

Approaching the stage in the presidential suite at Mbombela Stadium to receive his award from the president of the Mpumalanga Rugby Union, AG Visser, Engelbrecht was hurrahed by ear-splitting cheers from his fellow players.

What is arguably the greatest accolade for any rugby player, Engelbrecht was also honoured with the Players’ Player Award, proving that he was well and truly the Pumas’ most valuable player of the past season.

“I’m so grateful for the awards that was given to me on Friday night. I was blessed with a great year, and that’s all thanks to God that blessed me with this talent. Thank you to every single person who made it possible, and to those who believed in me and supported me throughout the season,” he said.

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Engelbrecht also won the New Nation Best Ball Carry Award and was the best forward in the Vodacom SuperRugby Unlocked series.

Director of rugby, Jimmy Stonehouse, hailed his passion and amazing performances throughout the season, and mentioned that Engelbrecht has a long and successful rugby career ahead of him.

The Pumas will play their first game of the year away against the Lions on February 27. Their first home game will take place on Tuesday March 9, in adjusted 10-day cycle fixtures to manage Covid testing protocols. The EP Elephants join the seven sides that competed in Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup from October last year. They have been split into two groups and will play cross-pool matches between February 27 and March 27

Pool A will consist of the Vodacom Bulls, Lions, Tafel Lager Griquas and Toyota Cheetahs. They will play the four sides in pool B – the Cell C Sharks, DHL Stormers, NNC Pumas and Eastern Province Elephants. Venues and kick-off times are yet to be confirmed.

“It’s imperative that we get the new season under way as soon as possible as we have a big year ahead, with preparing our players for the British & Irish Lions a top priority, but also providing opportunities for all teams to get match-fit with an eye on entering into European competitions, and our planned local season,” said Rassie Erasmus, director of rugby.

The following awards were earned:
Airlink Biggest Hit – Phumzile Maqondwana
Best try – Devon Williams
Most tries – Erich Cronjé, Daniel Maartens and Neil Maritz (four each)
Most points – Ginter Smuts (40)
Most loyal player – Michael Benadie
Most improved player – Ginter Smuts
Sports Unplugged Ambassador – Simon Westraadt
André Green Prospect of the Year – Jeandré Rudolph

Vodacom SuperRugby Unlocked
Backline player – Wayne van der Bank
Forward player – Willie Engelbrecht

Carling Currie Cup
Backline player – Devon Williams
Forward player – Morgan Naudé