Kriel acknowledged for stellar season

Cape Town - Jesse Kriel, whose star shone bright during both the Super Rugby and international season, received acknowledgement for an excellent 2015 when he won three awards at the Blue Bulls annual player awards ceremony at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday. 

Kriel, who is still only 21, won the union's overall Player of the Year title, the Super Rugby Backline Player of the Year and received recognition from his peers in winning the Super Rugby Players' Player of the Year. 

Other winners on the night in the Super Rugby category included Lappies Labuschagne (Forward of the Year), Burger Odendaal (Most Promising/Improved Player) and Trevor Nyakane (Coach's Recognition Award). 

In the Currie Cup category, Warrick Gelant picked up both the Players' Player of the Year Awards as well as the Most Improved/Promising Player. Other awards on the night went to Jacques du Plessis (Forward of the Year), Jamba Ulengo (Back of the Year) and Lappies Labuschagne (Coach's Recognition Award).

Gelant also landed the Junior Player of the Year award while Hayden Groepes (Coach of the Year) and Francois Hougaard (Fan's Player of the Year) were also acknowledged.