South African duo dominate URC awards
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bulls lock Ruan Nortje and Stormers wing Leolin Zas have scooped up the United Rugby Championship’s Ironman Award and Top Try-scorer Award, respectively.
Nortje was on announced as the winner of the Ironman Award for the 2021/22 season on Monday.
The award is given to the player who has played the most minutes in the URC until Round 18 of the competition.
The 23-year-old Bulls second-row managed to accumulate an incredible 1 394 minutes on the field for the Tshwane-based side, and was one of only 14 players to feature in all 18 matches for their teams.
“I am humbled and honoured to receive the United Rugby Championship Ironman Award for the 2021/22 season. To receive this recognition in a world-class competition with some of the most respected players is definitely something that will remain a highlight in my playing career for many years to come,” said Nortje.
“I am grateful to the Bulls, our director of rugby, Jake White, the coaching staff, my teammates and the supporters of the franchise for the faith and support they have all given and had in me. To be able to put on the blue jersey and play for the badge in such a premier championship is something I do not take lightly. I look forward to many more memories and matches in the URC.”
Nortje scored one try as the Bulls achieved a fourth-place finish in the regular season and was second to Glasgow Warriors’ Richie Gray for line-out steals (9).
The Bulls dominated the top five when it came to minutes played, with Marcell Coetzee (1 296) third and Madosh Tambwe (1 295) fourth.
Stormers centre Ruhan Nel (1 339) was second while Cape Town colleague Manie Libbok (1,264) was fifth.
Meanwhile, Zas scored 11 tries over the course of the regular season to end the campaign at the top of the charts of the URC.
Zas held on to his position at the top of the URC try-scoring charts in the face of some late competition from Benetton’s Rhyno Smith.
Smith claimed seven tries in his last three appearances to pull level with Zas on 10 at the summit.
However, Zas – who scored at least one try in each of his first six URC outings – grabbed the Stormers’ first try in their Round 18 victory over the Scarlets to nudge back in front and claim the prize.
Marcell Coetzee (Bulls) and Seabelo Senatla (Stormers) finished joint third on nine, with Edwill van der Merwe (Lions), Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls) and Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets) another try further back.
The Dream Team and the Next-Gen Star of the Season will all be announced later this week while Fans’ Player of the Season, Coach of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season will be crowned in the build-up to the Grand Final.
