Papier's selection was determined by votes from the Springbok coaching team, the four franchise coaches and selected South African broadcast commentators.

Winners from the previous seasons are Evan Roos, Manie Libbok, Sanele Nohamba, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Utilising his scintillating speed, Papier scored nine tries in the regular league campaign, plus two more during a Player of Match display in the quarter-final victory over Munster, while he has also delivered five assists, beaten 25 defenders and made 15 clean breaks.

The Western Cape-born scrumhalf, who was called up to the recent Springbok alignment camp, was just 21 when he made his Test debut against Wales in 2018. He went on to win seven caps during that year.

"I just kept working," said Papier.

"I knew I could still do it. It was just little things I had to work on. I have become a lot calmer over the years and started making better decisions on the field.

"In the past, I used to just pass a lot and see what happens. But now I analyse teams.

"The more experience you gain, the better decisions you make. You can see when the forwards are going forward or being tackled backwards, then you know when to make the ball slow or fast."

In addition, the Bulls have been handed the Innovation Award by the URC.

"It recognises people behind the scenes who are working hard to make rugby the greatest experience for fans - both on and off the field," reads the official blurb.

"Connecting with supporters and encouraging new audiences to fall in love with rugby is seen as key to continuing to grow the league and the game.

"The submission by the Vodacom Bulls - entitled 'Where Rugby Meets Entertainment' - has that goal front and centre and it has seen them chosen as the winners of the Innovation Award by a URC Committee.

"The Pretoria-based franchise have redefined the matchday experience through a consistent and innovative focus on entertainment, seamlessly blending elite sport with live music and fan engagement.

"By creating a dynamic collaboration between rugby and entertainment, they are attracting new audiences and enhancing the overall stadium atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld."

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