United Rugby Championship Awards adds new 'Playmaker' category

The annual URC Awards rewards 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 statistical performances, others will be voted on by a panel of media representatives from all five territories involved in the competition.

The Try of the Season, meanwhile, will be settled by a fans vote, while the 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, with three key metrics used to decide the winner - try assists for his team, successfully completed offloads, and defenders beaten on the pitch.

The South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season award will also be up for grabs 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 in early June, 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, June 4 will see the Elite XV unveiled, as well the identity of the Next-Gen Player of the Season.

On Thursday, June 5, we will announce the winners of the Innovation Award, as well as the Try of the Season, 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, June 6.

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