‘Total embarrassment’: Leinster crowning ‘phenomenal’ RG Snyman as their player of the year has divided the fans online
Leinster's RG Snyman has won the Irish club's 2024/25 player of the year award
The decision by Leinster to give RG Snyman their player of the year award has divided fans on social media in the wake of his underwhelming effort in last Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup exit.
The Irish province were dumped out of the tournament at the semi-final stage, losing to Northampton in Dublin in a match they were fancied to win and qualify for their fourth successive final.
Signed from Munster for the 2024/25 season, Snyman’s form throughout the season has resulted in a contract extension for next season but the two-time Rugby World Cup winner was unable to rescue Leinster from their wounding 34-37 loss to the Saints.
Last weekend’s defeat ignited a boisterous blame game directed at head coach Leo Cullen. Senior coach Jacques Nienaber was also the subject of criticism, as were numerous players – including Snyman.
It was Tuesday night at a function in Dublin when the South African lock won both the club’s player of the year and the supporters’ player of the year awards.
“He’s absolutely fleeced Irish rugby…”
However, while there were plenty of online compliments posted following this announcement, his critics were also vocal. Here is a cross-section of the reaction on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter:
The Rest is Horse Racing: “He’s absolutely fleeced Irish rugby. Didn’t try a leg at the weekend. Total embarrassment.”
William Battlheim: “Another trophy that South African fans will add to their trophy cabinet.”
Gerry Gorman: “Was this voted for before or after the semi against Northampton?”
🔵 Some Leinster players come under heavy criticism.
PLAYER RATINGS: https://t.co/o1WTyOnBk7#LEIvNOR #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/AuNcHnIDdb
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 4, 2025
Johan De Kock: “Well done legend!”
Greg Bate: “He has been phenomenal!”
Joe Cashman: “Christ, that’s some poor timing. You could have waited a week.”
Mynman: “Oke played with a back injury last game which he got from carrying Leinster the whole season.”
Christ, that’s some poor timing. You could have waited a week
— Joe Cashman (@cashman_joe) May 7, 2025
Darren: “Nobody cares. Come back to us when you actually win a trophy, starting with the Mickey Mouse URC one.”
Sir GBear of the Burgh: “Weekend’s performance not taken into account then…”
Kakistocracysucks: ‘Well deserved, the man never chose himself. He never rises to the bait that continuously gets thrown at him either. Only rises for rugby balls.”
