The 2024 BBCo Annual Awards evening, held at the picturesque hills of Silverlakes, was a night of celebration and recognition for rugby excellence within the Vodacom Bulls, Vodacom Bulls Juniors, and Bulls Daisies teams. Over 600 guests, including players, staff, and stakeholders of the Blue Bulls Company (BBCo), gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of the past season.

BBCo Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone emphasized the significance of the evening, stating, "Once a year, we pause to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of our athletes. This year is particularly special as we celebrate the collective success of our teams, who have carried the badge with pride and excellence."

The Bulls Daisies, South Africa's leading women's rugby team, were recognized for their back-to-back championship titles, a testament to their dominance and professionalism in the sport. The senior men's teams also received accolades for their performances in European competitions, with appearances in the Grand Final and Quarterfinals. The junior system, known for producing top-tier talent, continues to be a cornerstone of the Bulls' success.

Springbok stars Kurt-Lee Arendse and Jakkie Cilliers were the evening's standout performers, each taking home three awards. Cilliers, who had a record-breaking season with the Daisies, was named Backline Player of the Year and received the combined MVP and Player of the Year award, sponsored by GP Consult. Arendse was honored with the Investec Champions Cup Players' Player of the Year, Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the Year, and Senior MVP award, sponsored by Vodacom.

Other notable winners included Vainah Ubisi, who was named Daisies Forward Player of the Year, and Patience Mokone, who received the Daisies Players' Player of the Year award. In the Investec Champions Cup category, David Kriel was recognized as Backline Player of the Year and shared the Team Man of the Year award with Gerhard Steenekamp. Wilco Louw was named Forward of the Year, while Embrose Papier was awarded Players' Player of the Year.

In the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Johan Goosen and Elrigh Louw were named Backline Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, respectively. Cameron Hanekom was voted Players' Player of the Year, while Kurt-Lee Arendse took home the prestigious Player of the Year award.

The under-21 category saw Philip-Albert van Niekerk win Backline Player of the Year, Juann Else named Forward of the Year, and Neels Volschenk voted Players' Player of the Year.

Special awards included the Brightrock Employee of the Year, which went to Bandise Maku for his exceptional work off the field. Cameron Hanekom also received the Newcomer of the Year award, and Merwe Olivier was celebrated as the Junior MVP of the Year.

The evening was a fitting tribute to the dedication, hard work, and talent of all those involved in the Bulls' rugby ecosystem. The awards not only recognized individual brilliance but also underscored the collective strength and unity that define the Vodacom Bulls and Bulls Daisies.

Full List of Winners:

Under-21 (2023 Season):

Back of the Year: Philip-Albert van Niekerk
Forward of the Year: Juann Else
Players' Player of the Year: Neels Volschenk
Bulls Daisies:

Back of the Year: Jakkie Cilliers
Forward of the Year: Vainah Ubisi
Players' Player of the Year: Patience Mokone
Investec Champions Cup:

Back of the Year: David Kriel
Forward of the Year: Wilco Louw
Players' Player of the Year: Kurt-Lee Arendse
Player of the Year: Embrose Papier
Vodacom United Rugby Championship:

Back of the Year: Johan Goosen
Forward of the Year: Elrigh Louw
Players' Player of the Year: Cameron Hanekom
Player of the Year: Kurt-Lee Arendse
Special Awards:

Employee of the Year (Brightrock): Bandise Maku
Newcomer of the Year: Cameron Hanekom
Team Man of the Year: David Kriel and Gerhard Steenekamp
Bulls Daisies MVP and Player of the Year (GP Consult): Jakkie Cilliers
Junior MVP (Afgri): Merwe Olivier
Senior MVP (Vodacom): Kurt-Lee Arendse


Photo @VodacomBulls
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]