Springbok utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has added another prestigious accolade to his growing collection, being crowned South Africa’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season for 2024/25.
The 23-year-old DHL Stormers standout, who already holds the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, emerged victorious from a competitive field that included Springbok teammates Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw from the Vodacom Bulls.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s sublime performances throughout the season, characterised by his playmaking ability and crucial role in the Stormers’ goal-kicking structures, proved decisive in securing the honor.
“Sacha is undoubtedly one of the finest young talents in the country,” said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander. “His ability to deliver quality performances consistently is a testament to the excellent player he is. He lit up the field this season and made a massive contribution to his team’s success on attack, scoring in every possible way.”
The former Junior Springbok captain joins an illustrious list of previous winners, following in the footsteps of former Emirates Lions utility back Sanele Nohamba and his DHL Stormers teammates Evan Roos and Manie Libbok, who claimed the award in the last three seasons.
Since making his Test debut against Wales at Twickenham in June last year, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has earned eight caps for the Springboks, contributing to their impressive 2024 campaign where they won 11 out of 13 Test matches and claimed the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
“Sacha is undoubtedly one of the finest young talents in the country.” – SA Rugby President Mark Alexander
South African dominance in URC Awards
South African players made a significant impact in this year’s URC awards, with four players bringing home honors:
• Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls) was named Next-Gen Player of the Season, an award voted by media across all five Vodacom URC nations. The recognition is reserved for outstanding talents aged 23 or under at the season’s start, with limited international experience.
• Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) claimed the Try of the Season award for his spectacular finish against Scarlets, capping off a team effort filled with offloads, dummies, and impressive footwork.
• Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers) received the Tackle Machine Award, achieving an incredible 98% success rate from his 171 tackle attempts throughout the season.
Additionally, the Hollywoodbets Sharks were recognized with the Innovation Award for their “SharksFest” initiative, highlighting their efforts in growing the game through digital fan engagement, match day experience, and social purpose.
South African representation extended to the URC Elite XV for the season, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Hanekom, and Louw joined by fellow Springboks Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), and RG Snyman (Leinster).
URC Elite XV for 2024/25 season:
15. Jamie Osborne (Leinster Rugby)
16. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby)
17. Tom Farrell (Munster Rugby)
18. Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
19. Blair Murray (Scarlets)
20. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers)
21. Craig Casey (Munster Rugby)
22. Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls)
23. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors)
24. Jac Morgan (Ospreys)
25. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby)
26. RG Snyman (Leinster Rugby)
27. Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls)
28. Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets)
29. Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls)
