Etzebeth stands tallest for WP

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, was presented with the WP Forward of the Year and the WP Players' Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Etzebeth, who still qualifies to play Under-21 rugby this season, made his Bok debut after just 13 Super Rugby matches for the Stormers and has already played in eight Tests for his country – all before playing his first Currie Cup match for Western Province last week.

Record-breaking Springbok wing Bryan Habana walked off with the WP Back of the Year, for his performances at Super Rugby level, whilst hooker Scarra Ntubeni, despite also still being eligible for the WP Under-21 team, was awarded the prize as the union's Most Promising Senior Player.

Forward Deon Fourie, having played at hooker, flank and No.8 this year – also captaining the Currie Cup team at times – was presented with the Most Valuable Player Award for his efforts in 2012.

With both the Western Province U19 and U21 teams progressing to the semifinals of their respective tournaments this season, there was a lot of talent to choose from in the Junior Awards categories.

Loose forward Justin Benn, who trained with the senior WP squad this year, picked up the WP U19 Best Forward Award, with centre Justin Geduld, also a stalwart in the log-topping WP U19 side, walking off with the Back of the Year prize. Prop Sti Sithole was a worthy recipient of the Most Promising U19 Player Award.

In the Under-21 category, try-scoring ace Devon Williams, despite missing a large chunk of the season due to injury, was a popular choice as the WP U21 Best Back, with vice-captain Francois van Wyk being rewarded for his consistency up front as the WP U21 Forward of the Year.

Flank Josh Katzen came from nowhere this year to establish himself in the WP U21 set-up and he deservedly walked off with the WP U21 Most Promising Player Award.

WP and Stormers head coach Allister Coetzee commented: "The year is by no means over, and we would certainly like to end it on a high. However, tonight was about rewarding all our players for their efforts thus far – at professional and club level.

"The structures are in place through the ranks and rugby in the province is strong and healthy. Congratulations to all of the winners here tonight and thanks, once again, to all our supporters and sponsors."