After a panel of former players and coaches snubbed the Springboks for World Rugby’s 2021 Player of the Year award, which player was most unfortunate not to earn a nomination?

Despite winning the British & Irish Lions series 2-1, beating the All Blacks on the Gold Coast and being the No 1-ranked team, the Springboks were overlooked in most of the World Rugby awards categories, including Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW!

South Africa’s only representation is Lukhanyo Am’s nomination for the Try of the Year award, for his effort in the match between South Africa A and the Lions.

Australia’s Michael Hooper and Samu Kerevi, England’s Maro Itoje and France’s Antoine Dupont have been nominated for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.

Captain Siya Kolisi was among the Springboks heavily favoured to at least be nominated for the award, which was last won by teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit in 2019. Eben Etzebeth, who has been a pillar of strength in the second row, centre pair Damian de Allende and Am and wing Makazole Mapimpi have also been top performers this year.

Added to those names, Trevor Nyakane has shown an incredible ability to play on either side of the scrum, something that is notoriously difficult, yet he handled it with aplomb by dominating at loosehead prop during the Lions series.