Expectant dad Redelinghuys scoops top Lions award
Expectant dad Julian Redelinghuys pipped all his new Springbok team-mates when he was named Player of the Year for 2016 at the Golden Lions Rugby Union’s awards evening at Carnival City Big Top Arena.
Redelinghuys’ career is temporarily on hold following a neck injury sustained in last season's Currie Cup Final against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
He did, however, gain six Test caps for the Springboks before being ruled out by injury.
The Lions strongman, whose wife is expecting their first child on Thursday, underwent successful neck surgery in October last year, but his immediate playing future is still uncertain.
"It's really awesome," he said about the accolade.
"On a night like tonight, yes, players get rewarded but at the end of the day it's all about the team. I am very grateful but this award goes out to the players. We are a family," he added.
Redelinghuys remains optimistic of a return to the game.
"It has been challenging and slow going. But I am grateful it has been going better than the doctors expected. I have movement back in my arm again so I can build a cot for our new baby."
Right now, the burly front-rower isn't quite sure if he was more nervous pulling a Springbok jersey over his head for the first time or for the pending arrival of his first child.
"I dont know what to expect. Yes, I know there are nerves, but it is also very special to put on that Bok jersey."
Lions captain Warren Whiteley, who also earned his Springbok colours in 2016, was named Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year while newcomer Jacques Nel walked away with the Currie Cup Player of the Year accolade.
Hooker Malcolm Marx, another addition to the Bok ranks last season, was named the Players’ Player of the Year and new Bok centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg was voted the Supporters Player of the Year.
The Backline Player of the Year in Vodacom Super Rugby is Elton Jantjies while Franco Mostert was the Forward of the Year in the same competition.
List of Winners:
Golden Lions:
Golden Lions Forward Player of the Year: Ruan Ackermann
Golden Lions Backline Player of the Year: Anthony Volmink
Golden Lions Player of the Year: Jacques Nel
Emirates Lions Player of the Year Awards:
Super Rugby Forward Player of the Year: Franco Mostert
Super Rugby Backline Player of the Year: Elton Jantjies
Super Rugby Player of the Year: Warren Whiteley
Lions Rugby Company Awards:
Supporters Player of the Year: Rohan Janse van Rensburg
Players Player of the Year: Malcolm Marx
Player of the Year: Julian Redelinghuys