WPRFU held its annual awards evening last night at the Kelvin Grove Club. The event, held in conjunction with Die Burger, recognizes clubs in the Western Cape and professional players who have performed well in 2010.

Flanker Duane Vermeulen was the star of the evening, walking away with the award for Best Forward for 2010, as well as the prestigious Players Player of the Year Award, an award voted for by his peers. The award for Best Backline player went to Gio Aplon who has enjoyed a remarkable season, with speedster Juan De Jongh, in a breakthrough season, being awarded the Most Promising Senior player trophy.

With both the Province u19 and u21 teams finishing top of their logs and progressing to the finals of their respective tournaments, there was a lot of talent to choose from in the Junior Awards category. Promising youngster Siya Kolisi (No 8) took honours in the u19 Best Forwards player category, with team mate William Van Wyk (flyhalf) chosen as the u19 Best Backline player and full back Ulrich Beyers as the Most Improved u19 player.

In the u21 category, wing Danie Poolman was the well deserved winner of the Best Backline player award, with prop Allister Vermaak rewarded for a great season by being selected as the Best Forwards player. Province centre Berton Klaasen scooped the award for the Most Improved u21 player.

Maties captain, Lourens Adriaanse, was recognized as the Club Player of the year, whilst the Women´s Player of the year went to Lauren Johannes.

Rassie Erasmus, on congratulating all the players, commented,” Whilst the job is not quite done yet, the season has already been a remarkable one for WP Rugby and special congratulations goes to all the winners.”

Tobie Titus, President WPRFU, added,” The investment into facilities, structures, planning and human capital at all levels is starting to produce results and will restore WP to her glory days in the near future. Rugby as a sport is healthy in this Province and we look forward to a successful future.”