He has been ignored by Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, but star loose forward Nizaam Carr was recognised by his provincial union last night when he was chosen as Western Province’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2014.
That award, which is effectively the Player of the Year, was the most important of last night’s WP Rugby Awards evening, with Carr also bagging the other big prize – the Players’ Player of the Year Award, which is voted for by his teammates.
In what has been a breakthrough season, Carr has continued his outstanding form in the Currie Cup for WP, and it is still mystifying as to why he has not cracked the nod for the Springbok squad as yet.
When asked yesterday what Carr still needs to do to make the Bok squad, WP forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot said: “Ask the national coach that please. Top player, hard-working. Incredible player, he is a warrior. He’s a great player.”
Carr managed to pip Springbok giant Duane Vermeulen for the two top awards on the night, but the big No 8 was chosen as the Best Forward of the Year, while Damian de Allende was handed the Best Back award.
WP AWARD WINNERS
Clubs’ Player of the Year: Danwill Erasmus
Women’s Player of the Year: Denita Wentzel
Sevens Player of the Year: Armien Bailey
Referee of the Year: Marius van der Westhuizen
Under-19 Best Forward: Rikus Bothma
Under-19 Best Back: Ernst Stapelberg
Most Promising Under-19 Player: Grant Hermanus
Under-21 Best Forward: Sikhumbuzo Notshe
Under-21 Best Back: Robert du Preez
Most Promising Under-21 Player: Johnny Kotze
Best Senior Forward: Duane Vermeulen
Best Senior Back: Damian de Allende
Most Promising Senior Forward: Michael Rhodes
Most Promising Senior Back: Cheslin Kolbe
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award: Nizaam Carr
Players’ Player of the Year: Nizaam Carr- Cape Times