The award for having played the most minutes in the Vodacom URC this season goes to Vodacom Bulls lock Ruan Nortje. The 23-year-old racked up 1,394 minutes on the field of play and was one of only 14 players to feature in all 18 of their team’s matches.
Nortje scored one try as the Vodacom Bulls achieved a fourth-place finish in the regular season and was second to Glasgow Warriors’ Richie Gray for line-out steals (9).
The Vodacom Bulls dominated the top five when it came to minutes played, with Marcell Coetzee (1,296) third and Madosh Tambwe (1,295) fourth.
DHL Stormer's centre Ruhan Nel (1,339) was second while Cape Town colleague Manie Libbok (1,264) was fifth.
Ruan Nortje stated that “I am humbled and honoured to receive the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Ironman Award for the 2021/22 season. To receive this recognition in a world-class competition with some of the most respected players is definitely something that will remain a highlight in my playing career for many years to come. I am grateful to the Vodacom Bulls, our director of rugby, Jake White, the coaching staff, my teammates and the supporters of the franchise for the faith and support they have all given and had in me. To be able to put on the blue jersey and play for the badge in such a premier championship is something I do not take lightly. I look forward to many more memories and matches in the Vodacom URC”