MyPlayers Celebrates the 2025 Players’ Player of the Year Award Winners
As the 2025 rugby season draws to a close, MyPlayers is proud to celebrate the recipients of one of the most respected honours in South African rugby, the Players’ Player of the Year Awards. Voted for exclusively by professional players across the country, these awards recognise athletes who have made a significant impact on and off the field, earning the respect of their peers along the way.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Game
The 2025 edition of the awards once again featured three categories: Men’s Fifteens, Men’s Sevens and Women’s Rugby. Each winner stood out through consistency, commitment and influence throughout the season, qualities that resonate deeply in a team environment where peer recognition carries special meaning.
Isma-eel Dollie, General Manager: Rugby Operations at MyPlayers, highlighted why the awards remain so significant within the rugby community.
“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 truly understand the hard work, pressure and sacrifice that go into every match.
This year’s winners have shown exceptional consistency, commitment and influence throughout the season. Their recognition reflects the high standards they set both on and off the field, and we are extremely proud of Sacha, Donavan and Byrhandré, as well as 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
Reflecting on the recognition, Feinberg-Mngomezulu emphasised the importance of peer acknowledgment:
“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 environment who truly understand what it takes.”
Men’s Sevens Players’ Player of the Year
Donavan Don
Other nominees: Impi Visser, Shilton van Wyk
Don expressed gratitude for the recognition and the support around him:
“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 always giving my best.”
Women’s Players’ Player of the Year
Byrhandré Dolf
Other nominees: Babalwa Latsha, Aseza Hele, Nadine Roos, Libbie Janse van Rensburg
Dolf described the award as a reflection of collective effort:
“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 Recognition
Since its inception in 2005, the Players’ Player of the Year accolade has remained one of the most meaningful awards in South African rugby. Rooted in peer voting, it reflects respect earned within the team environment and honours excellence through the eyes of those who compete alongside one another.
The 2025 winners now join a distinguished list of past recipients, including John Smit, Siya Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen and Cheslin Kolbe, further cementing their place in South African rugby history.
