2025 will be the tenth year that Ruggas.co.za will be celebrating our best schoolboy rugby talent in South Africa. The planning for the 2025 Awards evening is in full swing, an evening where we will celebrate 2025's talent and welcome back our team of the decade. The past nine years spoiled us with absolutely brilliant talent and we sent the panel to their Christmas holidays with a simple instruction, pick your team from the past Ruggas.co.za Awards winners.
5. Loose Head Lock - JF van Heerden (Grey College) - Forward of the Year 2022
JF van Heerden is truly a rugby player who has an influence on the game even before the match started. He has a presence that is seldom seen at the schoolboy rugby level.
He has been described as a lineout general, an enforcer and an impeccable athlete, making him a player who can play several positions in the back five of a scrum. A member of the panel had a very accurate description of JF - "Hy is bleddie goed, accept it and move on."
He attended Grey College where he was a member of their first XV. He represented the Free State U18 at the Craven Week as well as South Africa U18 in 2022. He was selected for the South Africa U20 side that played at the 2023 and 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship.
He was named in the Vodacom Bulls squad for the 2023/24 season. He produced notable performances in the European Rugby Champions Cup during the 2023/24 season. He started against Lyon as the side clinched a quarter-final place, and retained a starting place for the quarter-final against Northampton Saints.
Ruggas.co.za Schoolboy Rugby Team Of the Decade
2. Hooker - Dameon Venter (Helpmekaar) - MVP 2017 - Dameon was part of the 2017 Helpmekaar Dream team which had several brilliant players representing them. Unfortunately for Dameon, he was not the flashy player that everybody wrote about, however, if I had to go to war, Dameon would be standing next to me upfront, if I asked nicely. He was as hard as nails and a player who never accepted defeat until two hours after the final whistle. His defence was brutal, with no lazy opposition bodies standing next to the ruck if Dameon was playing. That is what made Dameon so valuable - he kept several opponents busy, either by bullying them or scaring the (*%@ out of them, after which they were looking where Dameon was and forgot to play rugby. Oh yes, then the boring details. Dameon was brilliant on the ground, securing more than his share of turnovers. His ability to find his jumpers in the line-outs was unheard of, especially in an era where the basics of the game started to play second fiddle to the flashy "all-action" players. Dameon represented the Lions at u/16 Grant Khomo, u18 Craven Week and the Golden Lions and Sharks at the Currie Cup level. He was part of the Junior Springboks World Cup squad in 2022. He represented Wits in the Varsity Cup and also played senior rugby for the Tel Aviv Heat. He is currently playing for Strela-Agro Kazan in Russia.
4. Tight Head Lock (#4) - Simon Miller (St Alban's College) - Forward of the Year 2019
Simon Miller was hidden from the general schoolboy rugby public attending St Alban's College in Pretoria which is not known as a rugby school despite a great rugby programme run by the school. Simon Miller burst on the scene in his first match for the Vodacom Bulls against the Golden Lions at Monnas in a preparation match for the 2019 U18 Craven Week. Despite playing alongside and against some of the top schoolboy rugby players he was the standout player by miles. He had a bigger engine than Franco Moster, Kwagga Smith and Deon Fourie combined defending like a madman, sometimes completing three dominant tackles in one attacking phase of the Lions. When carrying the ball he sometimes had two to three defenders hanging on for dear life. I want to make a prediction. If Simon attended a rugby school where he was able to compete and shine against some of the top talent in the country regularly he would have been a candidate as one of the best schoolboy rugby players ever. Simon represented the Blue Bulls at the 2019 Craven Week and was included in the 2019 U18 SA Schools team. Unfortunately, the U20 World Cup 2020,2021 and 2022 was cancelled due to COVID. Miller was named in the Western Province squad for the 2021 Currie Cup Premier Division and made his debut for them in Round 7 of the Currie Cup against the Pumas. He also made his debut for the Stormers in 2023 against London Irish in England. He had a short sting in 2024 at the Sharks whereafter he moved to Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan where is currently contracted.
6. Openside Flanker - Regardt du Plessis (Affies) - MVP 2016
Regardt represented Affies 1stXV and the Bulls u1/18 Craven Week in 2016 and 2017 which must already say a lot of his abilities on the side of a scrum. Admittingly, when discussing top players at the schoolboy rugby level, the first name that comes to mind is that of Regardt. As I said, he was a great defender and carried the ball with great success, however, that only made Regardt a good rugby player that would disappear into history after two or three seasons. However, Regardt captured my attention within the first ten minutes of the match, whereafter, the rest of the game became a bit of a blur. Regardt challenged my "superior knowledge" of the game. He always wore a "fugly" yellow scrum cap which made it easy to follow him during the game. Regardt's understanding of the game was sublime, which made the role of an openside flanker a perfect fit. Most of the time Regardt ran "away" from the action just to find himself moments later in a perfect position to defend or steal a ball. It was as if he could see where the game would move to two or three phases later. I used to call him "Siener du Plessis". A lot of praise but well deserved. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut his promising career short while at Maties.
7. Blindside Flanker - Kwagga van Niekerk (Monnas) - Player Of The Year 2017
Following a serious injury that was according to doctors a season-ending injury. Kwagga's reply was short and simple, no. He made his final year at school memorable. Kwagga was an absolute brute on the pitch. He did not fear anything or anyone and dominated physically. Brilliant in the line-outs and an absolute brute on the defence. Surprisingly he was surprisingly quick and surprised a few defenders with a good line he ran, but admittingly most of the time he only knew the line straight forward, over and through the opponents. Van Niekerk represented the Lions at the U13, U16 Grant Khomo Week and for two years at the U18 Craven Week. He was also included in the U18 SA Schools team in 2017. Van Niekerk represented the Golden Lions XV in the 2018 Rugby Challenge. He moved to Scotland in 2019 to represent Scotland U20 at the U20 World Cup. He then made his Edinburgh debut on 11 February in the re-arranged Round 8 match of the 2021–22 United Rugby Championship against Leinster. In January 2023 he signed for Colorno in the Italian Top10 and is currently playing for the Watsonian Rugby Club in Scotland.
8. Eightman - Evan Roos (Paarl Boishaai) - Player Of The Year 2018
Evan Roos has been one of the big stars at the schoolboy rugby level. Claims that he is one of the best-ever schoolboys that graced our rugby fields are not far-fetched. “A once-in-a-generation type of player,” his primary school coach Hector Swiegelaar claimed while his coach at Paarl Boishaai Sean Erasmus believes he “was always destined to become a Springbok." Consistency was an outstanding Evan Roos' biggest asset. He has an incredible skillset, combining pace with power, along with an incredible eye for the try-line, which made him one of the most unstoppable forces against the top rugby schools in the country. Who will forget the try he scored against Paarl Gymnasium in arguably the biggest schoolboy rugby derby in the world? From broken field play, Roos sprinted like a winger and scored a 50-metre try that is still talked about. Roos represented Western Province at the U18 Craven Week in 2018, he missed the U16 Grant Khomo and U18 Craven Week 2017 due to injuries. He was called up to the South Africa Schools squad in 2018, making three appearances in the 2018 Under-19 International Series, and scored a try in their match against France. Roos made his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks in August 2019, coming on as a replacement in their match against the Free State Cheetahs in Round Five of the 2019 season, whereafter, he transferred to the DHL Stormers in 2020 where he became an instant hero and collected several awards including URC player of the season in 2022. Roos made his Springbok debut on 9 July 2022, against Wales, and started in the number 8 jersey. He is Springbok #924.
9. Scrumhalf - Embrose Papier (Garsfontein) - Player Of The Year 2016
Embrose Papier may have been the "surprise" selection of the 2016 Ruggas Rugby Awards but after careful consideration, one can not help to agree with his selection. Due to the age restrictions of the Craven Week and Tuks Competition, Embrose was U19 when he matriculated, the schoolboy rugby spectators were "robbed" of witnessing surely the one player who could turn a match in a split second with his brilliance. This was very evident in the 2015 and 2016 Beeld Macro School finals. The final of 2016 is remembered for two tries that were scored after Embrose displayed this brilliance. The first try was scored after Embrose scored after a 75m run with a brilliant display of speed, vision and stepping. His second try was scored in a similar fashion. Embrose picked up the ball after EG Jansen's captain lost the ball going over the line for a well-deserved try, he again ran the length of the field to ensure a Garsfontein victory. The highlight of his 2016 must have been his selection to represent South Africa in the u/20 World Cup. At this event, he showcased his class to the world. He was injured after a freak accident while practising ending his tournament before the Semi Finals against England. Embrose represented Boland at the U13 Craven Week and the Bulls at the 2013 Grant Khomo Week. In 2014 & 2015 he was selected for the U18 SA Schools and Bulls Craven Week teams. He also represented the U18 SA 7's in 2015. In 2016 he made the squad for the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship tournament hosted in Manchester, England. He made his first appearance for the U19 Blue Bulls in 2016 and was selected for the Vodacom Bulls Super Rugby team in 2017. Just over a month after his 21st birthday, Embrose made his Test debut in the season-opening clash against Wales in Washington.
10. Flyhalf - Damian Willemse (Paul Roos) - Backline Player Of The Year 2016
When provinces' talent scouts get into a public spat to convince a schoolboy rugby player that they are the right province to advance his career from a schoolboy rugby player to an international star, then you know that this boy must be something special. Very special. This is exactly what happened when the Bulls publicly stated that at the Bulls Damian would be developed as an international star. The Western Province, however, would have nothing of that and involved one of their heavyweights, Gert Smal to intervene and keep the youngster in the Cape. With feet made for dancing Damian must be the best stepper in the business at schoolboy level. Damian's ability to beat defenders with an inside and outside sidestep at will, combined with great offloading skills made him an instant star. Added to that speed, strength and superb off-loading, and one understands the "stupid" calls to fast-track him into the professional ranks. If one is looking for a highlight in 2016 for Damian one can expect many opinions. But being selected for the SA Schools side or named Craven Week Rugby Player of the Year or that brilliant try against Hilton at St John's or his try for Western Province against Eastern Province or or or or. A season many boys dream of. A player many fans dream of. Willemse represented Western Province at U16 and two years at the U18 level. Willemse earned his SA U18 caps in 2015 and 2016. As a schoolboy, Willemse was selected for Western Province U19 and made his debut for the Stormers in the 2017 Super Rugby season. He earned his first cap for the Springboks in 2019 against Argentina and was part of the 2019 World Cup winning squad.
12. Inside Centre - Damian Markus (Stellenberg) - MVP 2021
Damian was most of the time the smallest player on the field, but he always managed to stand out despite his size. He kept getting better and better every single year. Markus gave his all and is fearless on the attack and defence. He has excellent tackling technique and added an attitude to match that technique.
Damian was in a class of his own on the attack, his vision was second to none. He knew exactly where the space was and also knew exactly when to step and go himself, or to pass for his teammate. He was the intercept king which showed his great understanding of the game.
Markus is a Covid baby and represented the Junior Springboks in the World Rugby U20 tournament in 2023 and also captained the Western Province U21 side in 2024. He made his Currie Cup debut for Western Province in 2023 and also featured in 2024. Markus also played for the DHL Stormers in a friendly against Northampton Saints in 2024. Markus recently signed for the Japanese side, Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan.
13. Outside Centre - Henco van Wyk (Monnas) - Player Of The Year 2019
Henco Van Wyk was one of the most exciting young centres that I have ever seen at the schoolboy rugby level. Henco was not a big boy and maybe that was a big reason why he was often "underestimated" by his opponents. Henco has brilliant hands and exceptional feet, beating defenders almost at will on the attack. However, I suspect when he decided to attack and there was no space to, he zoned completely out and ran through and over defenders that were supposed to stop him with ease. That shows not only brilliant talent but determination that one seldom saw at the schoolboy level. In 2019, during his final year at Monument High School, Henco captain of the school's 1stXV rugby team, received several accolades, reflecting his talents on the field. Van Wyk was recognized for playing the most matches for the school's first team, totalling 41 matches, and was named Sevens Player of the Year. He also received awards for scoring the most tries for the first team, with 18 tries. Henco represented the Lions at all age groups and was named in the Golden Lions squad for the 2021 Currie Cup Premier Division. He made his debut for the Golden Lions in Round 10 of the 2021 Currie Cup Premier Division against the Free State Cheetahs. He was named the Junior Springbok Player of the Year as he was a star for the national U20 side during their international series in 2021. He made his debut for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship against Edinburgh in April 2022.
Ruggas.co.za Awards Winners
Player of the Year
2016 – Embrose Papier (Garsfontein)
2017 – Cristin van Niekerk (Monnas)
2018 – Evan Roos (Paarl Boishaai)
2019 – Henco van Wyk (Monnas)
2020 – Reinhardt Ludwig (Affies)
2021 – Niel le Roux (Oakdale)
2022 – Stehan Heymans (Affies)
2023 – JJ Theron (Grey College)
2024 – Pieter van der Merwe (Grey College)
Forward of the Year
2016 – Muller Uys (Paarl Gim)
2017 – Mark Snyman (Helpmekaar)
2018 – Celimpilo Gumede (DHS)
2019 – Simon Miller (St Albans)
2020 – Rynard Mouton (Monnas)
2021 – Corne Lavanga (Paarl Gim)
2022 – JF van Heerden (Grey College)
2023 – Batho Thlekani (Graeme College)
2024 – Kebotile Maake (KES)
Backline Player Of The Year
2016 – Damian Willemse (Paul Roos)
2017 – Abner van Reenen (Paarl Boishaai)
2018 – Juan Mostert (Paul Roos)
2019 – Kian Meadon (Paarl Boishaai)
2020 – Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gim)
2021 – Compion von Ludwig (Paarl Boishaai)
2022 – Thurlon Williams (Paarl Boishaai)
2023 – JC Mars (Paarl Boishaai)
2024 – Luan Gilliomee (Charlie Hofmeyr)
Most Valuable Player
2016 – Regardt du Plessis (Affies)
2017 – Dameon Venter (Helpmekaar)
2018 – Adrian Alberts (Paarl Boishaai)
2019 – George Cronje (Grey College)
2020 – Hardus Rothman (Garsfontein)
2021 – Damian Markus (Stellenberg)
2022 – Tian Vorster (Paarl Boishaai)
2023 – Gino Cupido (Strand)
2024 – Luan Olivier (Garsfontein)
Coach of the Year
2016 – Sean Erasmus (Paarl Boishaai)
2017 – Sean Erasmus (Paarl Boishaai)
2018 – Tjaart van der Walt (Monnas)
2019 – Wessel du Plessis (Grey College)
2020 – Pieter Rossouw (Paarl Gim)
2021 – Divan Batt (Stellenberg)
2022 – Peter Engledow (DHS)
2023 – Johan du Plessis (Garsfontein)
2024 - Corne Uys (Paul Roos)
1stXV of the Year
2016 – Paarl Boishaai
2017 – Paarl Boishaai
2018 – Grey College
2019 – Grey College
2020 – Garsfontein
2021 – Oakdale
2022 – Grey College
2023 – Grey College
2024 – Paul Roos