Seven South Africans have stormed into the 2024/25 URC Elite XV, showcasing the dominance of the nation’s unions throughout this season’s competition.
Cameron Hanekom, recently crowned 2024-25 Next-Gen Player of the Season, headlines the group and is joined by fellow Bulls forwards Wilco Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. It’s a second consecutive Elite XV selection for both Hanekom and Louw.
MORE: Hanekom crowned URC young star
Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen earned his place after a commanding season in midfield, while Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe was rewarded for his form in Wales.
Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also made the cut. The 23-year-old delivered across positions in the backline, finishing the season with 98 points. Completing the South African contingent is RG Snyman, who stood out for Leinster under Jacques Nienaber.
The Elite XV is selected through a media vote, with players required to make at least nine appearances to be eligible. With representation across five clubs and multiple positions, South Africans once again showed their quality across the league.
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Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden added to the South African accolades by claiming the Tackle Machine award, which recognises the competition’s most effective defender.
Now that’s a team
The Elite XV is your team of the season and determined by a media vote
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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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