Phepsi pops! Triple-award haul caps standout Sharks season

The Sharks hosted their annual Player Awards evening this week, and it was loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi who was the big winner on the night with three awards.

The awards highlighted the exciting young talent emerging through the system, alongside senior players who continued to lead through action and example as the team laid the foundation for future success.

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Buthelezi enjoyed a standout season and scooped three awards on the night for his efforts (URC Player of the Season, Top Try Scorer, and Fans’ Player of the Year), while Aphelele Fassi was recognised as the Champions Cup Player of the Season following several influential performances on the European stage.

Among the other major award winners on the evening, André Esterhuizen was voted Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates for his leadership, consistency, and influence throughout the season, while Emile van Heerden received the prestigious Sharks Player of the Year award for his consistency and standout performances across both the URC and the Champions Cup competitions.

Phatu Ganyane was named the Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Speaking on the significance of the evening, Sharks head coach, JP Pietersen acknowledged that while the season presented its fair share of challenges, recognising excellence and celebrating the individuals who continued to uphold the values and standards of the jersey remains critically important.

“We remain firmly focused on building for the future, we have belief in the talent emerging through the ranks and confidence in the collective determination within the Sharks family to get back on track and come back stronger during the 2026/2027 rugby season.”

Sharks U19 Player of the Season – Hanu Pieterse

Sharks U21 Player of the Season – Jaco Williams

Sharks Currie Cup Player of the Season – Nick Hatton

Sharks URC Player of the Season – Phepsi Buthelezi

Sharks Champions Cup Player of the Season – Aphelele Fassi

Sharks Top Try Scorer – Phepsi Buthelezi

Sharks Breakthrough Player of the Year – Phatu Ganyane

Sharks Fans’ Player of the Year – Phepsi Buthelezi

Sharks Players’ Player of the Year – André Esterhuizen

Sharks Player of the Year – Emile van Heerden

Who was your standout Sharks player of the year? Let us know on X and Facebook.