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Evan Roos completes URC award haul with Player of the Season gong

By Ian Cameron
The South African sides have brought stardust to the URC but there is disquiet in France about their inclusion (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Stormers No.8 Evan Roos has won the United Rugby Championship Player of the Season Award, his fourth URC award of what has been a dream season for the 22-year-old.

It was a cateogory that was completely dominated by South African players. Roos defeated the challenges from the Vodacom Bulls skipper Marcell Coetzee, his teammate Ruan Nortje, Lukhanyo Am of the Sharks, Lions back row Vincent Tshituka and Stormers back Warrick Gelant.

A media poll, nominations from the coaching staffs of the Springboks and the four competing franchises, and ultimately a fan vote through Vodacom's digital platforms determined the six finalists.

Together with his DHL Stormers teammates, Roos celebrated their first victory in an international tournament last weekend. Roos picked up four awards in total, including Breakthrough Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Fan Player of the Season.

“We are delighted for Evan and this award is well deserved given his form and consistency throughout the competition,” said Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber. “The fact that he received this honour in a competition featuring some of the best players in the northern hemisphere also shows the depth and quality of players we have in South Africa and especially young players.”

Roos is now set to win his first Test cap, with the No.8 a shoe-in to feature against Wales with Duane Vermuelen recovering from knee surgery.

Vodacom URC Awards Winner List 2021-22

Tackle Machine: Alan O’Connor (Ulster)

Turnover King: Jac Morgan (Ospreys)

Gilbert Golden Boot: Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys)

Top Try Scorer: Leolin Zas (DHL Stormers)

Ironman: Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls)

Next-Gen Player of the Season: Evan Roos (DHL Stormers)

Vodacom Fans’ Player of the Season: Evan Roos (DHL Stormers)

Loch Lomond Coach of the Season: Leo Cullen (Leinster)

Players’ Player of the Season: Evan Roos (DHL Stormers)

Vodacom URC Player of the Season: Evan Roos (DHL Stormers)