South African rugby was again among the big winners at the 2025 South African Sports Awards gala event, staged at the Sun City Superbowl in North West province on Sunday evening.
The triumphant Junior Springbok team, who last season won the Junior World Championship for the first time in 13 years in Italy, were crowned Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year.
The SA U20S, coached by Kevin Foote and captained by Riley Norton, clinched the title after beating rivals New Zealand in a pulsating final in Rovigo to secure South Africa's first junior world crown since 2012.
Test referee Aimee Barrett-Theron was named Technical Official of the Year, while Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was among five recipients of the Minister's Excellence Recognition Award for outstanding service to South African sport.
SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander congratulated the Junior Boks, Barrett-Theron and Stick on their accolades.
“South African rugby salutes the Junior Boks, Aimee and Mzwandile on these richly deserved accolades,” said Mr Alexander.
“The Junior Boks’ triumph in Italy last year was a magnificent team effort, and it is fitting that their achievement has now been recognised nationally.
“Aimee’s award is another milestone in a pioneering refereeing career, while Mzwandile’s recognition reflects his invaluable contribution to the Springboks’ success.”
Barrett‑Theron, who officiated at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and took charge of the semi‑final between Canada and New Zealand, has become one of only four South African match officials to referee 50 Tests.
A former Springbok in fifteens and sevens, she was the first woman to referee a men’s match in South Africa and is now the most capped female referee, with 52 Tests to her name.
Stick, a former Springbok Sevens captain, has served as assistant coach in both the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup triumphs of 2019 and 2023 and continues to play a pivotal role in the team’s success.
The SA Sports Awards once again paid tribute to celebrated athletes, pioneering figures and unsung heroes. The Proteas Men’s Test cricket team, winners of the ICC World Test Championship, were crowned Team of the Year, while Olympic medallist Akani Simbine claimed the Sports Star of the Year Award, ahead of fellow nominees Malcolm Marx and Temba Bavuma.