This weekend the world’s biggest rugby stars traded their on-field attire for their elegant suits as nominees all lined up on the red carpet to attend the annual World Rugby Awards ceremony.
The spectacular event was held in Monaco, a day after the South African national team the Springboks recorded an unbeaten November Autumn international season, following their victories against Scotland, England, and Wales.
This year marked the first time the Springboks were undefeated in Europe after over a decade. The last time the Boks reigned undefeated was in 2013.
Moreover, it was also a successful year overall for Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and his men after they managed to secure 11 victories and just 2 defeats. They have also managed to collect plenty of silverware after winning the Qatar Airways Cup, Mandela Plate, Freedom Cup, Rugby Championship trophy as well as the Prince William Cup – leading to much expectation that coach Rassie Erasmus would be the frontman to winning the ever-important Coach of the Year Award at last night’s ceremony.
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It turned out not to be as the honour was given to Jerome Daret for successfully leading France to Olympic Glory earlier this year.
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This has since sparked online criticism from the social media community and South African rugby lovers, who criticised World Rugby for ignoring the success of a Springbok coach for a second consecutive year. Despite winning a Rugby World Cup in 2023, former coach Jacque Nienaber also missed out to Ireland’s Andy Farrel at last year’s awards ceremony.
“So, 5 Championships, a successful Rugby Championship run and a whole World Cup mean nothing to World Rugby?” asked one supporter.
Another added: “Everyone knows Rassie Erasmus deserves that Award for the 2024 season.”
Thankfully the awards are a sideshow and the main talking is done on the field! If the outcome of a game was decided by a panel of judges, South Africa would never win and France would clean up every tournament! The Springboks are back-to-back champions, ranked No. 1, and coached… pic.twitter.com/IguPcbBSjy
— Captain Springbok 🤜🤛 (@CaptSpringbok) November 24, 2024
Rassie Erasmus Has Been Robbed The 2024 World Rugby Coach Of The Year Award#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/llJMg4ayPi
— Jonathan Bilaso (@ItsBilaso) November 24, 2024
Meanwhile, Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also missed out on the honours after falling short to Wallace Sititi of New Zealand.
South Africa had the last laugh on the night though as Pieter-Steph du Toit won Men’s 15’s World Player of the Year, while 7 South Africans were named in the World Rugby Dream team for 2024.
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Also see: Springboks and WAGS celebrate 365 days as World Cup champions | Bona Magazine
