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Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springbok, and Rassie Erasmus, coach. Photo: Gallo
Just over a year after they led South Africa’s third triumph at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Rassie Erasmus Y He is a school left with another set of awards on Thursday morning.
The SA Rugby Director of Rugby and the Springbok captain were honored at the Hollard Sports Industry Awards for 2020, which was done digitally this year. The presentation is held annually to celebrate the achievement of personalities and businesses in the South African sports industry.
The Rugby Director of Erasmus, SA Rugby received the Leadership in Sport Business award, while the Springbok captain, Kolisi, was honored with the Sports Industry Personality of the Year award.
Francois Pienaar, the 1995 Springbok RWC winning captain, presented his award to Erasmus, who described the tribute as a great surprise and a great honor.
“I appreciate the award and recognition and want to thank everyone who participated in organizing the awards,” said Erasmus, who thanked the Springboks players, administrative staff and SA Rugby staff who are working with the Springboks. .
The Springboks have not been in action at all this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Pienaar asked Erasmus what awaited them for 2021.
Erasmus replied: “Our planning is in place and we look good for the British and Irish Lions tour next year. Our great challenge at this time is that we want to transform that happiness (winner of an RWC) into real hope and to achieve this we have to keep winning as a team. “
Kolisi received her award from last year’s winner, Annelee Murray, who is Springbok’s longtime public relations manager.
“This award is truly an award for the team, a recognition of the good work done by everyone involved with the Springboks, from the coaches and players to the medical staff and the rest of the management,” Kolisi said.
When asked about the prospects of facing the British & Irish Lions next year in the Springbok jersey, the Bok captain said: “We are all very excited about the tour and we want to prepare as hard as possible to be ready for it. that we promised. a fantastic series of tests. “
According to the organizers of the awards, 2020 may have been a year to forget for the South African sports industry, but it was still preceded by pioneering innovation and creativity towards the end of 2019, and the response to the Covid-19 crisis has been nothing short of inspiring.
Michael Johnson, a former multiple Olympic gold medalist and 200m and 400m world record holder, delivered the opening speech.
– Media de Rugby SA
