Lentswe, Potchefstroom - There were few to no eyebrows raised on Wednesday evening 4 October when Vernon Paulo, the NWU’s point machine, was named the NWU Rugby Institute’s Player of the Year. Paulo was rewarded with the Johan Claassen trophy for his performance in the Varsity Cup and was exceptional throughout. Not only did he score the most tries in the competition - truly a rarity for a solid forward - but his work ethic and leadership were also some of the most important qualities throughout the competition. Tino Swanepoel was named the Varsity Cup Player of the Year and supporters will long remember this versatile player’s magnificent tries during the competition.
His two tries in the final against Ikeys were ultimately decisive for the winning NWU Eagles.
Isrome Phatudi was awarded the Piet Malan trophy as Back of the Year, and Sampie Swiegers won the Chairman’s Trophy as Forward of the Year.
The Director’s Trophy for the player who made the most progress was presented to Zinedine Robinson and Theuns Pretorius was named the Dux Player of the Year.
This trophy is presented to the player who excels both on the rugby field and academically.
It was an excellent year for the Rugby Institute, with the Varsity Cup team winning the eponymous competition, the Young Guns winning their competition, then both the 7’s men’s and women’s teams winning their respective USSA tournaments.
