Lock Emile van Heerden and centre André Esterhuizen picked up the big prizes at the Sharks Player Awards on Tuesday night.
Van Heerden was named Sharks Player of the Year after a consistent season across the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup, while Esterhuizen received the Players’ Player of the Year award, voted for by his teammates.
The awards evening, held at Sun Sibaya in Durban, recognised the top performers from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi collected three awards after an impressive season, being named URC Player of the Season, Top Try Scorer and Fans’ Player of the Year.
Fullback Aphelele Fassi received the Champions Cup Player of the Season award following several standout displays in Europe.
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The Sharks also recognised rising stars within the system, with Phatu Ganyane earning the Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
At junior level, Hanu Pieterse was named U19 Player of the Season, while Jaco Williams claimed the U21 honour. Nick Hatton received the Currie Cup Player of the Season award.
Sharks award winners
U19 Player of the Season: Hanu Pieterse
U21 Player of the Season: Jaco Williams
Currie Cup Player of the Season: Nick Hatton
URC Player of the Season: Phepsi Buthelezi
Champions Cup Player of the Season: Aphelele Fassi
Top Try Scorer: Phepsi Buthelezi
Breakthrough Player of the Year: Phatu Ganyane
Fans’ Player of the Year: Phepsi Buthelezi
Players’ Player of the Year: André Esterhuizen
Player of the Year: Emile van Heerden
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Emile, André the Giant scoop Sharks awards appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lock Emile van Heerden and centre Andre Esterhuizen picked up the big prizes at the Sharks Player Awards on Tuesday night.
The post Emile, André the Giant scoop Sharks awards appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
