Springboks Dominate United Rugby Championship Team of the Season
In a testament to their ongoing rugby union dominance, seven South African internationals have been named in the United Rugby Championship’s (URC) Team of the Season. However, only two players from the Springboks’ triumphant 2023 World Cup-winning squad made the cut.
Hollywoodbets Sharks’ loosehead prop Ox Nche and Vodacom Bulls’ winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, both members of the world champion side, have been recognized for their impressive performances throughout the URC campaign. While many of Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus’ Rugby World Cup heroes may have had limited game time this season, these two standout players have solidified their place among the league’s elite.
Joining Nche and Arendse in the URC Elite XV are five other Springboks: Stormers fullback Warrick Gelant, Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe, Bulls tighthead Wilco Louw, Bulls lock Ruan Nortje, and Bulls flanker Elrigh Louw. These seasoned internationals have showcased their world-class abilities throughout the grueling URC campaign.
The only uncapped South African in the team is Bulls’ No. 8 Cameron Hanekom, who has made a significant impression this season. With six players selected, the Bulls are the most represented team in the URC Team of the Season, reflecting their impressive second-place finish in the overall standings.
“Crowley’s outstanding performances have also earned him the Next-Gen Player of the Season award, further cementing his status as a rising star in rugby union gameplay.”
Leinster, the Bulls’ semi-final opponents, have only one representative in the team – winger Jordan Larmour. The Irish province is also home to four other internationals in the lineup: Munster fly-half Jack Crowley, Ulster scrum-half John Cooney, Munster lock Tadhg Beirne, and Munster center Alex Nankivell.
The final two spots in the URC Elite XV are taken by Scotland internationals – Glasgow Warriors center Sione Tuipulotu and Edinburgh flanker Jamie Ritchie, who was earlier named the league’s turnover king.
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