Ulster prop Angus Bell and Bulls scrum-half Embrose Papier were among the big winners, as the latest batch of United Rugby Championship awards were announced ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals.
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Bell claimed the URC Try of the Season award after fans voted his stunning solo effort against Cardiff as the standout score of the campaign. The Wallabies loosehead showcased the skills more commonly associated with a centre or full-back, when he picked up possession around 30 metres from the line, shrugged off one defender and then produced a remarkable side-step before crossing for a memorable individual try.
Angus Bell has won the URC Try of the Season for this scandalous effort vs Cardiff pic.twitter.com/16uq0YY2vh
— Caolán Scully (@Caolan_Scully) June 4, 2026
The score beat off competition from a star-studded shortlist featuring tries from Kyle Rowe, Cheswill Jooste, Nico Steyn, Wandisile Simelane, Handré Pollard and Bell’s Ulster teammate Tom Stewart. Close to 10,000 supporters cast their votes, representing a 42 per cent increase on last season’s competition.
Meanwhile, Bulls scrum-half Embrose Papier was named South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign in Pretoria.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence this season, scoring nine tries during the regular season before adding another two in the Bulls’ quarter-final victory over Munster. Papier also contributed five assists, 15 clean breaks and beat 25 defenders during a campaign that has reignited hopes of a Springbok recall.
His performances have already earned him a place at the recent Springboks alignment camp, with the former Test scrum-half now firmly back in the international conversation.
The Bulls also secured the URC Innovation Award for their “Where Rugby Meets Entertainment” initiative, which has transformed the matchday experience at Loftus Versfeld by combining elite rugby with live entertainment and enhanced fan engagement.
2025/26 URC Award Winners
AwardWinnerGilbert Golden BootChris Smith (Fidelity SecureDrive Lions)IPVanish Tackle MachineBen Carter (Dragons RFC)IronmanQuan Horn (Fidelity SecureDrive Lions)OFX Top Try ScorerEvan Roos (DHL Stormers)PlaymakerJack Walsh (Ospreys)Next-Gen Player of the SeasonTom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)Try of the SeasonAngus Bell (Ulster Rugby)South African URC Player of the SeasonEmbrose Papier (Vodacom Bulls)Innovation AwardVodacom BullsLATEST RUGBY NEWS
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