Lions loose forward MJ Pelser edged a close race with Bulls flank Elrigh Louw to be named as the readers’ Rainbow Cup SA Young Player of the Tournament.

Following the conclusion of the Rainbow Cup SA this past weekend, SARugbymag.co.za asked our readers to select their Young (U23) Player of the Tournament.

ALSO READ: Young Player of the Tournament votes

A long list of players included Pelser, Louw as well as the likes of Lions flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, fullback Aphelele Fassi and Stormers No 8 Evan Roos.

However, it was Pelser, after an impressive tournament despite the Lions’ last-placed finish, who got the best of the fans’ vote. It was a closely contested race between the 22-year-old and Louw, with just 54 votes  (1,37%) separating the two of them.

There was a clear gap between those two and the rest of the players on the list, but Roos, who was excellent at No 8 for the Stormers, and Fassi also got their fair share of votes.

The next round will allow readers to vote for the backline player that stood out during the Rainbow Cup SA.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix