Schalk Brits: Player’s Player
Player's Players: Schalk Brits poses with last year's winner, Seilala Mapusua
Schalk Brits, who has been putting in deserved Man of the Match performances for UK club Saracens, has been voted Player’s Player of the Year for the 2009-2010 season.
The ex-Stormers hooker, who enjoyed a spectacular year for the Premiership finalists, received his award at the Rugby Players’ Association awards on Wednesday. The Norman Broadbent young player award went to Leicester’s Ben Youngs.
“The last 12 months since I arrived in the UK have been absolutely phenomenal. Having this to add to everything else is very special indeed,” said Brits.
Brits beat off the challenge of Northampton duo Soane Tonga’Uiha and Ben Foden, while Youngs edged out another pair of Saints, Chris Ashton and Courtney Lawes, to win the young player award.
“Since the start of this season things have just got better and better for me, better than I could ever have hoped for, and to receive this award on top of all that is a massive honour and a privilege,” added Youngs.
Others recognised on the night were Simon Shaw, who won the special merit award for his incredible contribution to the game, and legendary former BBC commentator Bill McLaren, who was posthumously inducted into the Rugby Players’ Association Hall of Fame.
Andy Ripley received the Blyth spirit award, a special presentation from RPA members for outstanding courage in the face of adversity. Ripley, who starred for England as a number eight in the 1970s, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005. Since his diagnosis, he has worked closely with the Prostate Cancer Charity, using his media profile to raise awareness of the disease and encourage men to get tested as a preventative measure. After three years in remission, his cancer returned in 2008, but he has continued to fight the disease in his own inimitable fashion.
Prostate Cancer Charity chief executive John Neate said: “We are delighted that the Rugby Players’ Association has honoured Andy Ripley with this award. Andy is an extraordinary man and his huge contribution to our work in raising awareness of prostate cancer is immeasurable.
“Andy has touched the lives of so many people including all our staff and supporters across the UK. His positivity, love of life, humour and immense kindness has helped so many men and their families have hope as they face this debilitating disease and he continues to do this in spite of his own battle with prostate cancer.”
With thanks to BBC News.
Top Nomination For Ex Stormers Hooker
Schalk Brits has had a storming season for Saracens this year.
The Guinness Premiership Players of the Year shortlist was revealed today – and two South African players crack the list of five.
Former Springbok hooker Schalk Brits’ impressive season continues as he and former Lions captain Ernst Joubert were nominated among the top five Guinness Premiership Players of the Year.
Brits has had a sublime season with Saracens, prompting his Director of Rugby Brendan Venter to label him the “best hooker in South Africa” for his impressive performances on the field.
Joubert, who has also excelled with his workrate, joins Brits and three Northampton Saints players – Chris Ashton, Phil Dowson and Soane Tonga’uiha – as the five nominees for player of the season.
However, even though Saracens have done well with their South African base, Venter did not receive a nomination for Director of Rugby of the Season. That honour when to Leicester Tigers’ Richard Cockerill, Leeds’ Andy Key and the Saints’ Jim Mallinder.
The winners will be announced at a gala event next Tuesday.
Catt Announces Retirement
London Irish and former England player Mike Catt has announced that he will retire from rugby following Saturday’s Premiership match against Northampton.
Catt, 38, will go into coaching at London Irish following his evergreen career’s conclusion this weekend.
The England star – who made his debut in 1994 – became infamous after being trampled by Jonah Lomu at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
He had the last laugh, however, going on to be a part of Clive Woodward’s side that won the competition in 2003 and being at the heart of their unexpected run to the final in 2007.
Catt won 75 caps for his country and also represented the British & Irish Lions.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had an enjoyable and successful career as a player at club and international level,” Catt said.
“London Irish has given me the opportunity to make the transition from playing to coaching, and the time is right for me to focus full-time on that role.
“I hope to help the club maintain the progress it has made in recent seasons.
“I would like to thank all the players, coaches, sponsors, supporters and my family who have encouraged me throughout my playing career.”
With thanks to SA Rugby.com
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