Serfontein voted Bulls’ best

JAN Serfontein was named player of the year at the annual Vodacom Blue Bulls Player Awards in December last year.

The 21-year-old centre was the big winner of the day, where he was also named the Vodacom Super Rugby back of the year.

After what was a disappointing season for the Vodacom Blue Bulls, who missed out on the Super Rugby play-offs before losing in the semi-finals of the Currie Cup to eventual winners Western Province, the team decided on a low-key event held on the Loftus B-Field.

The other big winners included Victor Matfield, who was named Super Rugby forward of the year and Paul Willemse, who claimed the coveted players’ player of the year title.

Serfontein’s fellow Junior World Championship winner, Handré Pollard, took home the award for most improved or promising Super Rugby player.

The junior player of the year award went to Ruan Steenkamp and Nollis Marais was awarded the coach of the year award.

Currie Cup senior winners:

• Forward of the year, Paul Willemse;

• Back of the year, Burger Odendaal;

• Player of the year, Burger Odendaal;

• Most promising or improved player, Jesse Kriel, and

• Coaches’ Recognition Award, Travis Ismaiel.

Vodacom Super Rugby senior winners:

• Forward of the year, Victor Matfield;

• Back of the year, Jan Serfontein;

• Players’ player of the year, Paul Willemse;

• Most promising or improved player, Handré Pollard, and

• Coaches’ Recognition Award, John-William Meyer.