RG Snyman’s dominant season for Leinster earns him URC Players’ Player of the Season in a year of standout performances.
A Towering Talent Recognised
Leinster and Springbok lock RG Snyman has been named the United Rugby Championship (URC) Players’ Player of the Season for 2024–25, a prestigious accolade that caps off an extraordinary campaign for the towering second-rower.
Athleticism Meets Physicality
At 2.06 metres tall and weighing 117 kilograms, Snyman is far from your typical lock. Despite his formidable size, he possesses an almost surreal athleticism and skill set, particularly his ability to offload in contact. This is a feature of his game that has drawn admiration from teammates and opponents alike. This season, he finished second in the URC in offloads with 40, just behind Munster’s Tom Farrell, who claimed the Playmaker award earlier this week with 43.
Snyman’s Impact At Leinster
Snyman’s contributions in his debut season for Leinster have been nothing short of monumental. Joining the Irish giants from Munster, the 30-year-old Springbok immediately slotted into a leadership role on and off the field. His influence helped Leinster (1.18) top the regular season standings and secure a home final against his former team, the Bulls (5.00), following a convincing 37–19 semi-final win over the Glasgow Warriors.
Peer Recognition
This season has also seen Snyman recognised as Leinster’s Player of the Year — a reflection of both his consistency and impact. His presence in the set-piece has been immense, his defence tireless, and his ability to link up with backs in open play has added an extra dimension to Leinster’s game.
The Players’ Player of the Season award, voted on by the captains and vice-captains of all 16 URC teams, is perhaps the highest honour in terms of peer recognition. To be eligible, players must have featured in at least nine matches during the campaign. One player who voted for Snyman described him as “a threat all over the park,” noting his unique abilities as both a physical enforcer and skilful ball-handler. “Strong in the set-piece and a very tough opponent,” the player added.
Snyman Joins Elite Company
As the season nears its conclusion, Snyman’s award stands as a testament to his resurgence and evolution into one of world rugby’s most complete forwards.
He now joins an elite group of past winners, including Munster’s Jack Crowley (2023–24), Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan (2022–23), and Stormers loose forward Evan Roos (2021–22).
Massimo Brunello Named Coach of the Season
In other URC awards news, Zebre Parma’s Massimo Brunello was named Coach of the Season. He was recognised for his transformative work with the Italian side.
Brunello led Zebre to a series of standout wins, including home victories over Munster, Ospreys, and Dragons, and historic away triumphs against Ulster and Edinburgh. The win in Belfast marked Zebre’s first away win in four years and sparked a late-season push for top-eight contention.
One rival coach praised Brunello for making “Zebre even more competitive,” adding that his leadership made qualification battles more exciting this season.
Full List of 2024–25 URC Award Winners
- Players’ Player of the Season: RG Snyman (Leinster Rugby)
- Coach of the Season: Massimo Brunello (Zebre Parma)
- Golden Boot: Ioan Lloyd (Scarlets)
- Top Try Scorer: Harri Millard (Cardiff Rugby)
- Tackle Machine: Ruben van Heerden (Stormers)
- Ironman: Cam Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)
- Playmaker: Tom Farrell (Munster Rugby)
- Next-Gen Player of the Season: Cameron Hanekom (Bulls)
- Innovation Award: Sharks
- Try of the Season: Deon Fourie (Stormers)
SA URC Player of the Season: Sacha Feinburg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)
