DYANTYI IN SEVENTH HEAVEN
Flying wing once gave up rugby because he was ‘too small’. ALEXANDER: APHIWE HAS BEEN SENSATIONAL SINCE MAKING THE STEP UP
The 2018 season was a roller-coaster campaign, according to Aphiwe Dyantyi, after the sensational Springbok wing was named World Rugby Breakthrough Player-of-theYear in Monaco on Sunday night.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar season with the Lions in Super Rugby, and he went on to score on his Bok debut against England at Ellis Park and twice more in the Boks’ superb 36-34 win over the All Blacks in Wellington.
“I’ve been truly blessed in so many ways, with the people
around me who have helped me in the last few years,” Dyantyi said.
“It’s really amazing being part of the Springboks, representing our country. It doesn’t get any better.
“I’m very honoured as I never imagined I would ever be the one sitting here, receiving an award such as this.”
At one stage, after leaving school, Dyantyi had given up the game because he was told he was too small.
After making an explosive comeback, however, he scored six tries in his first eight Tests and played in 13 of the Boks’ 14 Test matches this season.
“I just want to keep challenging myself to keep on improving and hopefully make a difference for our country,” he said.
“I also hope to make a difference in someone else’s life, who will see my story as an inspiration
to do something great out there.”
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised Dyantyi, who became the first South African to win the prestigious award for players contesting their debut international seasons.
Alexander also congratulated scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and hooker Malcolm Marx, who had been among the nominees for World Rugby Player-of-the-Year.
“Aphiwe has been sensational since making the step up and after a superb debut season for the Lions in Super Rugby, he was deservedly called up to the Bok squad,” Alexander said.
“We are happy with the resurgence of the Boks under Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team, and we believe we are heading in the right direction as part of our preparation for the Rugby World Cup in 2019.”
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