Rugby player RG Snyman awarded URC's Players' Player of the Year accolade
Leinster's Stalwart RG Snyman Scores BKT URC's Players' Player of the Season
From the rugged only-oy-can-mash-like-him RG Snyman, the hulking second-row magnate, comes this season's BKT URC's Players' Player recognition. The Sioux-tall lock's remarkable inaugural campaign at Leinster cemented his spot as a vital cog in the team's run to the semis.
In a campaign that saw him playing 13 bulldozing games and whacking in two tries, the 6-foot-9 brute's 40 offloads earned him the second-highest count in the URC, showcasing his unparalleled dual-threat prowess.
This adoration, traditionally bestowed by the URC's team captains and vice-captains, previously found its way to South Africa's Munster kin Jack Crowley, Ireland's Dan Sheehan, and Stormers back row Evan Ross.
Post-career with Munster, Snyman encounters—you guessed it—those knee and shoulder nasties. A series of surgical interventions, followed by a shoulder procedure after the freaking World Cup in 2023, left the thespian in the shadows at Thomond Park. But now, motherflipping 20 games just this season, the 30-year-old has reclaimed his throne at Leinster, alleys unlocked once more.
This accolade comes fresh off an agreement extending Snyman’s tenure at the province, keeping this honorary deet in the Leinster books next season.
And as the curtain falls on our main act, we welcome another golden boy: Zebre Parma's Massimo Brunello, the brains behind the bold, snatching this season's Coach of the Year award. The recognition, voted for by the league's head honchos, puts the exclamation point on Brunello's transformation of Zebre Parma.
Featuring victories over fellow powerhouses Munster, Ospreys, and Dragons—at the Parma nest, no less—as well as stealing the show away from Ulster and Edinburgh, Brunello's tenure proved instrumental in Zebre Parma's world-class performances.
A victorious string of away games kicked off with that renowned conquest against Ulster, snapping a four-year drought for the road-warriors. The following week showcased yet another triumphant exploit against Edinburgh, further solidifying Brunello's spot among the pantheon of URC coaching titans.
Aye, he's been around! Snyman's a South African rugger who's represented his homeland 40 times, racking up a mere 10 points. He stands at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches, tips the scales at around 286 pounds, and rocketed to Back-to-Back Rugby World Cup success in 2019 and 2023[2].
Get your popcorn ready, folks! The RTE Rugby podcast will have you covered, airing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all gutsy podcast platforms. Tune in to RTE2 and RTE Player at 2.15 PM as Leinster locks horns with the ferocious Glasgow, catching a live blog on our website and the RTE News app. And don't forget to catch the thrilling aural battle on RTE Radio 1!
Despite his challenging post-career health issues, RG Snyman, the South African second-row powerhouse, has made a triumphant return to the European leagues, specifically the Premier League, with Leinster, after several surgical interventions.
Meanwhile, in the coaching realm, Massimo Brunello, the mastermind behind Zebre Parma's remarkable turnaround, has been recognized as the Coach of the Year, guiding his team to victories over formidable opponents, including fellow Premier League clubs such as Munster, Ospreys, and Dragons.
