Du Toit player of year as Springboks sweep World Rugby awards
South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit was named World Rugby Player of the Year on Sunday as the World Cup-winning Springboks swept the main awards.
Rassie Erasmus won coach of the year and South Africa also took the team award at a glittering ceremory in Tokyo, a day after they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.
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The 27-year-old du Toit was instrumental in South Africa’s World Cup campaign, especially effective at the breakdown and winning the battle against England’s famed “kamikaze kids” back row in the final.
“It’s a massive honour for me to accept this award,” said Du Toit, who plays his club rugby for Western Province.
“I think when we come back (to South Africa), it’s going to be an unbelievable experience... We can’t wait to get home. We miss our country so much,” added the 55-cap loose forward.
“I’ve got three younger brothers as well and they tell me ‘You’re living our dream’, so I have to live up to that,” he told reporters.
Du Toit beat off competition including his team-mate wing Cheslin Kolbe, as well as All Black Ardie Savea and England’s young star Tom Curry.
The women’s player of the year award went...