Springbok centre Jean de Villiers was named South Africa’s rugby player of the year on Tuesday.
De Villiers, from Western Province, headed off four Sharks players — Bismarck du Plessis, Adrian Jacobs, Ryan Kankowski and Tendai Mtawarira — in polling by South African journalists. He also received the players’ player of the year award, the first to win both since Ashwin Willemse in 2003.
De Villiers started in all 13 Tests this year, and scored four tries in three wins against Six Nations champion Wales.
Sharks number eight Ryan Kankowski was named Super 14 player of the year, and Sharks coach John Plumtree coach of the year for leading the team to its Currie Cup triumph. — Sapa-AP