WPRFU held its annual awards evening on Wednesday night at the Kelvin Grove Club. The event, held in conjunction with Die Burger, CTC Sport and DHL, recognises club performances within the Western Province, and DHL WP professional players who have performed well in 2011.
DHL WP loose forward Nick Koster walked away with the award for “DHL WP Best Forward”, whilst JJ Engelbrecht won the “Players' Player of the Year Award”, an award, voted for by his peers.
The award for “DHL WP Best Backline player” went to Dewaldt Duvenage who, before injury, had a remarkable season, alongside Siya Kolisi, who was awarded the “Most Promising Senior player” trophy.
With both the Province u19 and u21 teams progressing to the semifinals of their respective tournaments, there was a lot of talent to choose from in the Junior Awards categories.
Youngster Rayn Smidt took the “DHL WP u19 Best Forward” award, with teammate Kobus van Wyk chosen as the “DHL WP u19 Best Backline player” and flyhalf Dillyn Leyds as the “Most Promising u19 player”.
In the u21 category, wing Tshotsho Mbovane was the well-deserved winner of the “Best Backline player” award, with flanker Reuben Johannes rewarded for a great season by being selected as the “Best Forward”. Province fullback Heinrich Steyl scooped the award for the “Most Promising u21 player”.
Demetri Catrakilis was recognised as the “Clubs’ Player of the Year”, whilst the “Women’s Player of the Year” went to Andrea Stubbs. Varsity Cup Champions UCT, were awarded the Grand Challenge for the first time since 1992. The DHL WP Disa and WP Amateur teams collected their trophies for winning their National competitions.
Allister Coetzee, commented,” Whilst the job is not quite done yet, this season has already been a remarkable one for WP Rugby at all levels, the team and our supporters. The structures are in place through the ranks and rugby in the province is strong and healthy. Congratulations to all of the winners here tonight.”
Tobie Titus, WPRFU President, added, “Congratulations to all that have achieved here tonight. Rugby in the WP is growing from strength to strength. Investment into the structures and careful foresight and vision will ensure returns into the future.”
Full list of winners
| Women Player of the Year | Andrea Stubbs |
| DHL WP most promising U19 | Dillyn Leyds |
| DHL WP best back U19 | Kobus van Wyk |
| DHL WP best forward U19 | Rayn Smidt |
| DHL WP most promising U21 | Heinrich Steyl |
| DHL WP best back U21 | Tshotsho Mbovane |
| DHL WP best forward U21 | Reuben Johannes |
| DHL WP most promising Snr. Player | Siya Kolisi |
| DHL WP best back | Dewaldt Duvenage |
| DHL WP best forward | Nick Koster |
| Club’s Player of the year | Demetri Catrakilis |
| Players player of the year | JJ Engelbrecht |
| Reserve League | CPUT – Gardens 4 |
| | Durb-Bell 5 |
| Under 20 | Blue Jets A |
| | UCT B |
| Premier A | UWC A |
| Premier B | Kraaifontein A/St. Georges A |
| Super B | NNK A |
| Super A | Maties A |
Third League
| Paarl Region | Allandale 3 |
| DIV 4 | Titans 3 |
| DIV 3 | Caledonian Roses 3 |
| DIV 2 | All Saints 3 |
| DIV 1 | Northerns 3 |
| PLB | UWC 3 |
| PLA | Paarl 3 |
| SLB | Tygerberg 3 |
| SLA | Victorians 3 |
Second League
| Paarl Region | Allandale 2 |
| DIV 4 | Masiphumelele 2 |
| DIV 3 | Caledonian Roses 2 |
| DIV 2 | Blue Stars 2 |
| DIV 1 | Raithby Univ 2 |
| PLB | Sir Lowrians 2 |
| PLA | Goodwood 2 |
| SLB | Bellville 2 |
| SLA | Hamiltons 2 |
| Wom Div | Busy Bees |
| Wom Div | Maties |
| Paarl Region | Lower Paarl |
| DIV 4 | Masiphumelele |
| DIV 3 | Violets |
| DIV 2 | Mannenberg Rangers |
| DIV 1 | Eersterivier |
| PLB | UWC |
| PLA | Goodwood |
| SLB | Tygerberg |
Referees Awards
| | REFEREES BELLA ROMA SHIELD | Villager |
| | REFEREE OF THE YEAR | Joey Salmans |
| DISA | WP DISA TEAM | WP DISA Team |
| | WINNERS AMATEUR COMPETITION | WP Amateur Team |
| | VARSITY CUP | UCT |
| | WP QUALIFYING TEAM CLUB CHAMPS | Maties |
| SLA | SLA TROPHY | UCT |