Duane Vermeulen, a Lowvelder born and bred, has been named player of the year for the second time.

He led the charge as the Vodacom Bulls almost made a clean sweep at the annual SA Rugby Awards for the 2020 season.

This Springbok number eight walked off with two awards, including the overall gong for SA Rugby Player of the Year, while the Vodacom Bulls, champions of Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup, won in almost every other category.

Vermeulen, who had led the Vodacom Bulls to two titles last season, including the Carling Currie Cup for the first time since 2009, also won the Vodacom Super Rugby/Unlocked Player of the Year Award for 2020.

“It was a very tough season, but Duane was superb – not only on the field, where his performances were on par with the very high standard we’ve become accustomed to from him, but he also led the Vodacom Bulls with aplomb as our teams had to navigate numerous new curveballs and challenges,” said Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.

Commenting on Vermeulen’s exploits in Vodacom Super Rugby and Unlocked, Liam Dobell, head of rugby at Vodacom, said the company is proud to recognise him as the Vodacom Super Rugby and Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked Player of the Year.

“This was no ordinary rugby season and Duane showed himself to be no ordinary player. In the most challenging of times, he still found a way to unlock his talent and passion for rugby, and in so doing helped to keep us all connected in our shared passion for the game.”