Mr Mark Alexander, the president of SA Rugby, said on Monday the national governing body was grateful and humbled with the recognition as National Federation of the Year at the 18th annual South African Sport Awards, while Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus received a Ministerial Excellence Award.
The ceremony was held at the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday evening, SA Rugby won the award for top governing body for the second consecutive year. Erasmus is a former recipient of the Coach of the Year award.
This year’s edition – themed, “Celebrating Sporting Excellence” – paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and media professionals who have not only excelled in their respective disciplines but have also inspired a nation through resilience, passion, and performance.
“This recognition is not ours alone – it belongs to every individual and organisation that forms part of the SA Rugby family,” said Mr Alexander.
“From our provincial unions and associate members to our clubs, schools, universities and grassroots programmes, your unwavering commitment continues to shape rugby into a force for unity, pride and transformation.
“We salute our coaches, players, administrators, match officials and support staff who give tirelessly of themselves, week after week. Your dedication fuels the excellence we celebrate today.
“To our sponsors and partners – thank you for your belief in our vision and for walking this journey with us. Your support enables us to reach further, dream bigger and serve with purpose.
“And to the millions of rugby fans who stand behind our players at every level of the game – from school fields to stadiums – you are the soul of South African rugby. Your passion, belief and loyalty inspire us to give our best and it is because of you that we are able to carry this honour with pride.
“This award is a tribute to all of you. May it inspire us to continue building a legacy worthy of our shared pride.”
Moon Radar
Sport Trivia: Who was the first woman swimmer to win both the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the Olympics? Answer: Penny Heyns. She won both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the 1996 Olympics, the first woman to do so. She broke the world and Olympic records for the 100m breaststroke and broke the Olympic record for the 200m breaststroke. In 1999 she held 5 out of a possible 6 world breaststroke records, the first time this had ever been achieved (50m, 100m and 200m, plus same distances in 25m short course pool) — the one she \”missed\” was the 200m short course.
Atomic Blastoid
Sport Trivia: Where did Naas Botha play his first test match for South Africa? Answer: Wanderers – Naas Botha was selected to play for South Africa at Rugby Union after playing for the SA Under 20 squad. He made his debut against South America on 26 April 1980 at the Wanderers Stadium, recognised as a cricket ground. This was due to the fact that Ellis Park had been demolished in 1979 to be rebuilt.