Uanivi, Conradie best of the year
Namibia's lock Tjiuee Uanivi and flanker Wian Conradie were joint winners of the Players' Player of the Year award after the end of Namibia's 2019 international rugby season.
Uanivi and Conradie each received nine votes from their teammates, followed by eighth man Janco Venter with four votes, of the 36 players who represented the country in five tests last year.
It was the first time in years the national team has been recognised, after David Philander was last crowned Namibian rugby player of the year in 2009.
“Both of these players are worthy winners who have really stood out in the past season,” Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) president Corrie Mensah said.
“At the World Rugby Nations Cup in Uruguay, our entire squad raised their level of performance tremendously compared to where we were previously, paving the way to our dramatic and historic first win against Uruguay,” Mensah added.
He said that momentum then spilled over to the World Cup, despite the fact that Namibia initially worried about tour captain Johan Deysel's shoulder injury.
“Tjiuee stepped in as captain against Italy and the Springboks and did a great job.
He was a tower of strength throughout, leading the way among the forwards.”
Mensah reiterated that Uanivi is an important player for Namibia and that he has played well for the team.
“I am proud of every player's contribution, especially the younger ones who showed a lot of promise to add even more to our national team in the coming years.”
Sponsors Namibia Breweries (NBL) confirmed that Uanivi and Conradie will each be rewarded with a weekend for two at either Mokuti Lodge or the Strand Hotel for their outstanding performance.
Conradie, who joined the Doncaster Knights during November, said: “I have to say I didn't expect it at all, but I'm really honoured to be able to share this award with Tjiuee.
“It is a great honour for me to be able to play for my country every time and especially at a World Cup. I will play my heart out every time I pull that jersey over my head and so I hope every player, whatever the opportunity, will do the same.”
Uanivi is also currently overseas, having been contracted with French club Massy since the World Cup.
“I am honoured. It's always great when it comes from the team. More than anything, I just want to congratulate the team for sticking together and performing well on the field in what has possibly been the toughest year for us as a team mentally. The challenge now is to build on all of that,” he said.
Andrew Poolman
Uanivi and Conradie each received nine votes from their teammates, followed by eighth man Janco Venter with four votes, of the 36 players who represented the country in five tests last year.
It was the first time in years the national team has been recognised, after David Philander was last crowned Namibian rugby player of the year in 2009.
“Both of these players are worthy winners who have really stood out in the past season,” Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) president Corrie Mensah said.
“At the World Rugby Nations Cup in Uruguay, our entire squad raised their level of performance tremendously compared to where we were previously, paving the way to our dramatic and historic first win against Uruguay,” Mensah added.
He said that momentum then spilled over to the World Cup, despite the fact that Namibia initially worried about tour captain Johan Deysel's shoulder injury.
“Tjiuee stepped in as captain against Italy and the Springboks and did a great job.
He was a tower of strength throughout, leading the way among the forwards.”
Mensah reiterated that Uanivi is an important player for Namibia and that he has played well for the team.
“I am proud of every player's contribution, especially the younger ones who showed a lot of promise to add even more to our national team in the coming years.”
Sponsors Namibia Breweries (NBL) confirmed that Uanivi and Conradie will each be rewarded with a weekend for two at either Mokuti Lodge or the Strand Hotel for their outstanding performance.
Conradie, who joined the Doncaster Knights during November, said: “I have to say I didn't expect it at all, but I'm really honoured to be able to share this award with Tjiuee.
“It is a great honour for me to be able to play for my country every time and especially at a World Cup. I will play my heart out every time I pull that jersey over my head and so I hope every player, whatever the opportunity, will do the same.”
Uanivi is also currently overseas, having been contracted with French club Massy since the World Cup.
“I am honoured. It's always great when it comes from the team. More than anything, I just want to congratulate the team for sticking together and performing well on the field in what has possibly been the toughest year for us as a team mentally. The challenge now is to build on all of that,” he said.
Andrew Poolman
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