The glitter and glamour of rugby were in full swing at Ellis Park this Tuesday, where Morne van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye scooped up the lion's share of accolades at the Lions Players Awards. It was a night where the roar of the Lions resonated well beyond the field, celebrating a season of hard tackles, daring runs, and rugby wizardry.
Morne van den Berg, the nimble scrumhalf, not only danced past his opponents all season but also his peers in the awards tally. He snagged the International Backline Player of the Year and the Lions Player of the Year titles. Van den Berg, overwhelmed by the double whammy, shared,
"Such an honour for me to be recognised for these awards. A huge credit to my teammates at the Lions and the incredible coaching staff who allow us to express ourselves on the field. The mindset in our environment is ‘team first’, which is why I believe these accolades mean nothing without the team behind me."
Meanwhile, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, a powerhouse in the forwards, clinched the International Forward of the Year. Despite grappling with two formal doping charges, the robust player didn't let controversy cloud his thunderous season. Ntlabakanye was also the teammates' top pick, bagging the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year award.
Rising star Kelly Mpeku, who leapt from the Lions' junior ranks to the senior spotlight, was crowned Currie Cup Player of the Year. His performance evidently left many a spectator and critic wide-eyed and nodding in approval.
The ceremony wasn't just about the big cats, though. The cubs got their due too, with Haashim Pead being named Junior Player of the Year. Siba Mahashe and Alzeadon Felix grabbed the U21 Forward of the Year and U19 Backline Player of the Year, respectively, proving that the Lions' nursery is brimming with young talent ready to pounce.
As the night drew to a close, the pride of the Lions had many reasons to purr in satisfaction. With players like Gianni Lombard, SJ Kotze, and RF Schoeman also receiving nods for their outstanding contributions, the team's future looks as bright as the Johannesburg skyline.
In a gathering that was less about the individual and more about the collective spirit of the sport, the Lions Players Awards night proved once again why rugby is more than just a game in these parts—it's a community, a lifestyle, and an undying passion.
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The glitter and glamour of rugby were in full swing at Ellis Park this Tuesday, where Morne van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye scooped up the lion's share of accolades at the Lions Players Awards. It was a night where the roar of the Lions resonated well beyond the field, celebrating a season of hard tackles, daring runs, and rugby wizardry.
Morne van den Berg, the nimble scrumhalf, not only danced past his opponents all season but also his peers in the awards tally. He snagged the International Backline Player of the Year and the Lions Player of the Year titles. Van den Berg, overwhelmed by the double whammy, shared,
"Such an honour for me to be recognised for these awards. A huge credit to my teammates at the Lions and the incredible coaching staff who allow us to express ourselves on the field. The mindset in our environment is ‘team first’, which is why I believe these accolades mean nothing without the team behind me."
Meanwhile, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, a powerhouse in the forwards, clinched the International Forward of the Year. Despite grappling with two formal doping charges, the robust player didn't let controversy cloud his thunderous season. Ntlabakanye was also the teammates' top pick, bagging the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year award.
Rising star Kelly Mpeku, who leapt from the Lions' junior ranks to the senior spotlight, was crowned Currie Cup Player of the Year. His performance evidently left many a spectator and critic wide-eyed and nodding in approval.
The ceremony wasn't just about the big cats, though. The cubs got their due too, with Haashim Pead being named Junior Player of the Year. Siba Mahashe and Alzeadon Felix grabbed the U21 Forward of the Year and U19 Backline Player of the Year, respectively, proving that the Lions' nursery is brimming with young talent ready to pounce.
As the night drew to a close, the pride of the Lions had many reasons to purr in satisfaction. With players like Gianni Lombard, SJ Kotze, and RF Schoeman also receiving nods for their outstanding contributions, the team's future looks as bright as the Johannesburg skyline.
In a gathering that was less about the individual and more about the collective spirit of the sport, the Lions Players Awards night proved once again why rugby is more than just a game in these parts—it's a community, a lifestyle, and an undying passion.