Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks have both claimed a continental award at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Sports Awards in Lusaka, Zambia.
Kolisi himself was named Sportsman of the Year while the Springboks were named Team of the Year for the region that consists of 10 countries including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Add to the list
Kolisi was recognized as the people’s choice and Sports Star of the Year Awards, adding to their accolades for Team of the Year at the SA Sports Awards and SA Rugby Awards.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander complimented the group and Klisi, stressing that the Springboks were deserving of the honor.
This honor highlights the importance of the Springboks’ successive Rugby World Cup triumphs for the continent as well as the vital role Siya played in leading the squad both on and off the field.
“They deserve all the recognition for their hard work and sacrifices over several years to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in We are thrilled to see how far and wide their accomplishments have stretched, having visited France last year and Japan in 2019.
“We hope this inspires teams across Africa to follow in their footsteps and achieve similar success. The team and Kolisi have been crucial in demonstrating what unity, teamwork, and overcoming numerous barriers on and off the field can achieve in nation-building and building winning teams.”
The Springboks play their first Test of the year against Wales at Twickenham at the end of June. They then host Ireland for a two-match series before playing Portugal for the first time ever. Next up is the Rugby Championship, followed by the year-end tour.
Springboks fixtures
Saturday, 22 June: Springboks vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: Springboks vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: Springboks vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: Springboks vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs Springboks (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs Springboks (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: Springboks vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: Springboks v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v Springboks (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: Springboks v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
Sunday, 10 November: Scotland vs Springboks (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
Saturday, 16 November: England vs Springboks (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 23 November: Wales vs Springboks (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
