After none of the Springbok players received a nomination for World Rugby’s Men’s Player of the Year, Jacques Nienaber was also overlooked for the Coach of the Year award.
World Rugby on Monday announced the list of nominees for six of the prestigious 2021 categories, which were decided by a panel of former players and coaches.
ALSO READ: Boks snubbed for World Rugby award
The World Rugby Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year in sevens and 15s, as well as the International Rugby Players Men’s and Women’s Try of the Year will be decided by fan votes.
The Springboks and All Blacks were both overlooked for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year award, the first time this has happened since the inaugural year in 2001.
Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber, who this year coached the team to a British & Irish Lions series victory, as well as away wins over the All Blacks, Wales and Scotland, was also snubbed for the Coach of the Year award.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, Australia’s Dave Rennie, England Women’s coach Simon Middleton and New Zealand Women’s Sevens coaches Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney have been nominated.
There was, however, something for the Springboks to take from Monday’s announcement as centre Lukhanyo Am was nominated for Men’s Try of the Year, for his effort against the Lions while playing for the South Africa A team.
Tries really worth celebrating ?
Take a look at this year’s @IntRugbyPlayers Men’s Try of the Year nominees
? Vote for your winner: https://t.co/nxFioHibvw
[?: @lionsofficial, @SixNationsRugby, @SuperRugby] pic.twitter.com/PWlmg9Mrqc
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 15, 2021
Photo: BackpagePix
