Francois Venter was named the Cheetahs' Player of the Year at the union's annual awards ceremony on Thursday.

The 25-year-old team captain was one of the Cheetahs' standout performers last season and led from the front throughout the year. His superb form saw him receive a Springbok call-up, after which Venter won three Test caps on South Africa's end-of-year tour to Europe. Venter also picked up the Backline Player of the Year award.

In other categories, loose forward Uzair Cassiem scooped the coveted Players' Player of the Year accolade and he was named Forward of Year, while wing Raymond Rhule walked away with the Super Rugby Player of the Year gong.

Elsewhere, prop Ox Nche was named the Currie Cup Player of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the the Cheetahs title-winning campaign.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images