MyPlayers announces 2025 Player of the Year Awards

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Donavan Don and Byrhandré Dolf were named as the winners of the 2025 Players’ Player of the Year Awards, a prestigious honour voted for exclusively by professional rugby players across South Africa.

This annual recognition pays tribute to the players who have made an outstanding impact within their teams, over the past season.

The 2025 Awards once again featured three distinct categories: Men’s Fifteens, Men’s Sevens and Women’s Rugby. Each recipient has demonstrated exceptional skill, determination and consistency throughout the year, earning the respect of their peers, the highest honour in any team-based sport.

Isma-eel Dollie, General Manager: Rugby Operations at MyPlayers, emphasised the significance of this recognition: “The Players’ Player of the Year Awards are incredibly meaningful because they come directly from the players themselves. Being chosen by your peers is one of the greatest compliments any athlete can receive. It’s one thing to perform well but it’s another to earn the respect of those who understand the hard work, pressure and sacrifice that go into every match.

“This year’s winners have shown exceptional leadership and influence throughout the season, and their recognition speaks to the high standards they set both on and off the field. We’re extremely proud of Sacha, Donavan and Byrhandré, and proud of what this award represents for South African rugby.”

2025 Award Winners

Men’s Fifteens Players’ Player of the Year

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Other nominees: Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damian Willemse

“There are a lot of awards to win these days, but this one is especially close to my heart because it’s voted for by my colleagues, the people whose respect matters most. That’s why I probably enjoy this one more than any other. It’s a great feeling to be recognised by others in the same industry who truly understand what it takes.”

Men’s Sevens Players’ Player of the Year

Donavan Don

Other nominees: Impi Visser, Shilton van Wyk

"Winning this award is an incredible honour. I’m truly grateful for the recognition and for everyone who has supported me throughout the season. It motivates me to keep growing, improving and to always give my best."

Women’s Players’ Player of the Year

Byrhandré Dolf

Other nominees: Babalwa Latsha, Aseza Hele, Nadine Roos, Libbie Janse van Rensburg

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. I’m extremely grateful and blessed to have such amazing teammates. This award means the world to me. Thank you."

Honouring a Legacy of Peer-Driven Recognition

Since its establishment in 2005, the Players’ Player of the Year accolade has remained a meaningful award in South African rugby, recognising excellence as judged by the players themselves. This year’s recipients join a distinguished list of past winners, including John Smit, Siya Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen and Cheslin Kolbe.