Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has praised Embrose Papier after the scrumhalf was named South Africa’s URC Player of the Season.
Papier received the award following a superb campaign in which he emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers and played a key role in guiding the Bulls to the URC semi-finals.
The 29-year-old was selected by a voting panel consisting of the Springbok coaching staff, South Africa’s four franchise coaches and selected television commentators.
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Ackermann said the accolade was richly deserved after Papier’s consistency throughout the season.
“We’re proud of Embrose,” said Ackermann.
“He’s showed why he got the award for just consistently playing well over the season.
“As a team, we had some ups and downs, but he played consistently well and as the season progressed, he just got better and better.”
Papier’s form has reignited his Springbok ambitions ahead of the international season.
The Bulls scrumhalf scored nine tries during the regular season before adding another two in his side’s quarter-final victory against Munster. He also registered five assists, 15 clean breaks and beat 25 defenders.
2025/26 South African VURC Player of the season
Congratulations
@Vodacom #urc | @URCOfficial_RSA pic.twitter.com/0ldt5ptFSw
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 4, 2026
His performances earned him a call-up to the recent Springbok alignment camp and have strengthened his case for a return to the national setup.
Ackermann was quick to acknowledge the quality of players competing across South Africa’s four franchises, but believes Papier stood out over the course of the campaign.
“I think it’s difficult for any player to do that without the team, so we as a team are obviously proud of Embrose and that he got the award,” he said.
“But there are so many good players in South Africa and it could’ve gone to anyone.
“For us this season, he was just simply outstanding.”
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Photo: Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images
The post Bulls boss salutes SA’s best player appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has praised Embrose Papier after the scrumhalf was named South Africa’s URC Player of the Season.
The post Bulls boss salutes SA’s best player appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
