The annual URC Awards recognise excellence both on and off the field, rewarding players, coaches, and clubs for their outstanding work throughout the season and for their contribution to the success of the league.

A total of 12 individual prizes are up for grabs, along with places in the end-of-season Elite XV.

While some of the awards are determined by URC StatMaster data provided by Oval Insights, others will be voted on by a panel of media representatives from all five territories involved in the competition while the Try of the Season, powered by URC.tv, will be settled by a fans vote.

The BKT Coach of the Season will be voted for by the coaches with the captains and vice-captains of each team deciding the Player’s Player of the Season.

There is also a brand new award this season, the ‘Playmaker’ award. Creativity, adaptability, and composure under pressure define a true playmaker. The Playmaker Award is given to the player who creates chances and tries for his team, with three key metrics used to decide the winner – try assists for his team, successfully completed offloads, and defenders beaten on the pitch.

The Innovation Award will also once again be up for grabs for our clubs this season, with the South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season award on offer for players from the four South African franchises, which forms part of the annual SA Rugby Awards.

All awards will be announced during Semi-finals week this season, with the Gilbert Golden Boot, Ironman, OFX Top Try Scorer, Playmaker and Tackle Machine awards all set to be announced on Tuesday, June 3.

Wednesday, 4 June will see the Elite XV unveiled, as well the identity of the Next-Gen Player of the Season.

On Thursday, 5 June, we will announce the winners of the Innovation Award, as well as the Try of the Season powered by URC.tv, and the South Africa Vodacom URC Player of the Season.

The BKT Coach of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season round off the awards on Friday, 6 June.

To see all the previous winners, CLICK HERE.