Wednesday, June 3, 2026

South African Franchises Shine at United Rugby Championship Awards

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Africazine:

South African rugby players have made a significant impact at the URC awards this season.

Three players from South Africa received top honors in the United Rugby Championship (URC) awards. Chris Smith won the Golden Boot for scoring the most points, Quan Horn secured the Ironman award for playing every minute of the regular season, and Evan Roos was recognized as the Top Try Scorer with 12 tries.

South Africa Dominates URC Awards

Chris Smith, the flyhalf for the Lions, achieved the Golden Boot award by accumulating 149 points, which included 17 penalties and 49 conversions. This marks his second time winning the award, having previously claimed it in the 2023-24 season with the Bulls. His performance was notably superior to his closest competitor, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who scored 113 points.

Quan Horn, also from the Lions, earned the Ironman award for the second consecutive year. He played a perfect 1,440 minutes throughout the season, starting every match and showcasing remarkable endurance. His achievement surpassed his previous record of 1,428 minutes.

Key Performances of South African Players

Evan Roos, playing for the Stormers, finished the regular season as the Top Try Scorer with 12 tries. His scoring ability was highlighted by his performance in the opening game against Leinster and another double against Edinburgh. Roos’s enthusiasm for the game and his old-school approach have made him a standout player this season.

Other awards included the Tackle Machine, won by Ben Carter, and the Playmaker award, given to Jack Walsh. These accolades reflect the high level of competition and talent present in the URC.

Upcoming Announcements in URC

  • Announcement of the URC’s Elite XV
  • Next-Gen Player of the Season winner
  • Innovation Award recipient
  • Try of the Season winner
  • South African URC Player of the Season
  • Coach of the Season winner
  • Players’ Player of the Season winner

South African players have showcased their exceptional talent and determination in the URC, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.

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