Lock JJ Scheepers dominated the Airlink Pumas awards ceremony on October 23, walking away with nine trophies.

The function, themed ‘Christmas in October’, was held in the presidential suite at Mbombela Stadium.

Scheepers was named the Airlink Pumas Player of the Year.

He also won the Currie Cup Player, Currie Cup Players’ Player, Currie Cup Forward Player, SA Cup Player, SA Cup Forward Player of the Year awards, the Most Tries trophy, the SupaRugby Trophy and André Green’s Prospect Player of the Year award.

Sale Sharks lock returns from England

The 28-year-old, 1.98m, 115kg lock left the Pumas after the Currie Cup season and is playing for the Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership in England. He flew from England especially to attend the awards.

Scheepers played for 691 minutes in nine Currie Cup matches this year. He beat more defenders and carried the ball further than any other lock in the Currie Cup.

His Currie Cup statistics are:
• Tries: 6
• Carries: 78
• Metres carried: 273
• Defenders beaten: 15
• Tackles made: 75
• Tackles completed: 72
• Turnovers made: 10
• Passes: 37
• Pass accuracy: 90%
• Lineout won: 18
• Lineouts stolen: 4.

Roll of honour

The other award winners were:
• Best ambassador: Willie Engelbrecht
• SA Cup backline player: Nevaldo Fleurs
• 50 matches: Sampie Swiegers, Lundi Msenge, Clinton Swart
• 100 matches: Willie Engelbrecht, Dr Gerhard Swart
• Most points: Clinton Swart
• Most improved back: Alfondso Isaacs
• Most improved forward: André Goedhals
• Most loyal player: Lundi Msenge
• Biggest hit: Chyle van Zyl
• Best try: Nevaldo Fleurs
• Currie Cup backline player: Jay-cee Nel.