Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is among the 10 nominees for the 2026 Investec Player of the Year award. Selected by a panel of rugby legends and broadcast experts, the standout players from the pool stage of theInvestec Champions Cupare expected to play a pivotal role as the competition heads into the round of 16 in early April. are expected to play a pivotal role as the competition heads into the round of 16 in early April.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu– who also features among the nominees for the SA Rugby Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards – is the sole South African on the shortlist. The flyhalf seems to find space where it doesn’t exist to set teammates up, with his kicking prowess just adding to his overall game intelligence. Bordeaux Bègles and Glasgow Warriors were both flawless during the pool stage – going 20 log points from 20 – so it’s no surprise to see several of their players among the nominees.
Bordeaux Bègles wingerLouis Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament’s leading try-scorer (six), earns a spot alongside flyhalfMatthieu Jalibert. The pair have torn defences apart on several occasions with dizzying runs, unmatched vision and electric speed across the four rounds. Jalibert has four scores and seven conversions to his name too as he’s led Bordeaux Bègles from the front going forward.
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For Glasgow, No 8Jack Dempseyis recognised for his exceptional attacking and defensive contributions, leading the competition for carries and ranking third for tackles. Bath are also well represented, with two nominees. No 8Alfie Barbeary, Man of the Match in rounds three and four, is joined by flyhalfFinn Russell, who has amassed an impressive 51 points and 21 conversions so far.
Bath will face Saracens in the round of 16, and Sarries No 8Tom Willishas earned himself a place in the shortlist thanks to strong attacking displays and an impressive 85% tackle success rate. FullbackThomas Ramoswas instrumental in securing Toulouse’s home round-of-16 playoff. He’s been metronomic from the tee – nailing 24 conversions – as well as leading the competition’s individual points (53). Leinster captainCaelan Dorisalso features after leading his side to four pool stage victories and top spot.
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