Springbok Sevens star Tristan Leyds cut an emotional figure in the wake of winning the SVNS World Series' highest individual honour.
Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman congratulated everyone involved with the all-conquering Blitzboks this season.
Tristan Leyds became the fourth South African to be crowned HSBC SVNS Player of the Year when he edged out Fiji's Vuiviwa Naduvalo and Henry Hutchison of Australia for the top award.
The Springbok Sevens retained their World Championship title on Saturday with a dramatic 14-12 victory over Fiji in the HSBC SVNS Bordeaux quarter-finals.
The Springbok Sevens team had a mixed day at the HSBC SVNS in Bordeaux on Friday, going down to Great Britain in their opener before overpowering Kenya in their second encounter.
After overcoming a frustrating run of injuries, Blitzboks newcomer Jayden Nell is embracing his first full season on the HSBC SVNS circuit as South Africa maintain their charge towards the World Championship title in Bordeaux this weekend.