Seven Springboks Shine in URC Team of the Season
The United Rugby Championship (URC) has unveiled its elite XV for the 2023/24 season, with a strong South African influence as seven players from the national rugby union team, the Springboks, make the cut.
Highlighting the depth of talent in the South African rugby landscape, two 2023 Rugby World Cup winners have been selected for the prestigious URC team. Sharks prop Ox Nche and Bulls’ hooker Akker van der Merwe, both part of the Springboks’ championship triumph, have been named in the starting front row.
The Bulls, the South African franchise, have emerged as the dominant force, with six of their players making the URC Elite XV, including lock Ruan Nortje and number eight Cameron Hanekom, who have also donned the Springboks jersey. Elrigh Louw, another Bok, joins the Bulls’ contingent in the back row.
Munster’s Tadhg Beirne and Edinburgh’s Jamie Ritchie, who led the league in turnovers during the regular season, round out the formidable pack.
In the backline, Munster’s Jack Crowley and Ulster’s John Cooney have been selected as the standout fly-half and scrum-half pairing, while Glasgow Warriors’ Sione Tuipulotu and Munster’s Alex Nankivell form a powerful midfield duo.
Completing the XV are Stormers’ full-back Warrick Gelant and Bulls’ winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, both Springboks, as well as Leinster’s Jordan Larmour.
The URC also announced its individual award winners, including the Tackle Machine, Turnover King, Gilbert Golden Boot, and Next-Gen Player of the Season, further showcasing the league’s exceptional talent pool.
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