Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery and veteran referee Andre Watson were among the recipients of SA Rugby Special Awards during the annual Absa SA Rugby Awards banquet in Sandton on Monday night.
Others honoured included the four past presidents of the South African Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) and numerous others whose contribution to the game over many years was duly recognised as part of the President’s Awards.
Montgomery was presented with a President’s Special Award after this season becoming the highest points scorer to date in Springbok history, surpassing the long-standing record of Naas Botha.
Watson, who this year announced his retirement from international rugby and also set a new record of seven for the most Absa Currie Cup finals to date, received a Special Award for Contribution to Rugby.
Honorary Life Member Awards were presented to former Sarfu presidents Ebrahim Patel, Professor Fritz Eloff, Dr Louis Luyt and Silas Nkanunu.
President’s Awards for long-standing service to the game were presented to Martin Visagie, Harold Wilson, Curnick Mdyesha, Dan Qeqe, Thomas Musson, Vivian Lottering and Lawton Fourie.
President’s Honour Awards were presented to Salie Fredericks, Cassiem Jabaar, Fagmie Solomons, Bomza Nkohla and Francois Pienaar.
Several rugby stalwarts who have passed away were also honoured with President’s Posthumous Recognition Awards. They are Anwar Meier, Titus Sandlo, Bill Jardine, Fred Hufkie, Noortjie Kahn, Abdul Abbas, Jomo King, Sing Kan Mawing and Millen Petersen. — Sapa