Dillyn Leyds named Most Valuable WP Player!

CAPE TOWN – He’s had a tremendous few years since returning from Australia, and made his Springbok Test debut in 2017 as well.

And on Tuesday night, Dillyn Leyds was honoured for his consistently good form when he was named the Most Valuable Player at the Western Province Annual Awards function at the Cape Sun.

Utility back Leyds, who is equally comfortable playing at fullback and wing, was the stand-out performer for the Stormers in Super Rugby this year, which resulted in his selection for the Bok squad against France in June.

He came on off the bench in three Tests, but finally made deserved starts against the Wallabies and All Blacks in the last two Rugby Championship clashes.

What makes Leyds such a special player is his ability to create something out of nothing with ball-in-hand, and he is one of the finest counter-attacking players in the country.

Leyds was also named the Senior Player of the Year, while he received the Composure and Capability Award.

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Other big winners on the night was lock JD Schickerling, who won the Players’ Player of the Year and Best Forward gongs, while Springbok flank Siya Kolisi won the “Above and Beyond” Award.

Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak was voted the Best Back, while the exciting Damian Willemse and Jaco Coetzee were named the Most Promising Back and Forward respectively.

WP Rugby Union president Thelo Wakefield said: “Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners – it was a privilege to be able to pay tribute to everyone, from the clubs right up to the professional players and all of whom have worked so hard and deserve their rewards.

“Tonight’s awards showcase the efforts that are being made to ensure that WP Rugby remains top across all levels and we wish our teams the best of luck in their respective competitions, as they all chase national titles.”