Following Eben Etzebeth's back-to-back win as SA Rugby's Player of the Year, let's take a look at the history of this prestigious award. Since its inception in 1992, when the Springboks returned to international play post-apartheid, the media and key stakeholders have been involved in selecting the winners. Surprisingly, backline players have only won 12 times, with legends like Chester Williams and Bryan Habana among the recipients. In contrast, forward players have dominated the award, with stalwarts like Schalk Burger and Siya Kolisi being recognized.

Habana and Pieter-Steph du Toit hold the record for three wins each, while Etzebeth has clinched the title twice consecutively.