Since 2022 BKT, global leader in the production of Off-Highway tires and Title Sponsor of the championship, has celebrated the coach who has stood out above all the rest in the BKT United Rugby Championship. A key figure, able to guide, coordinate and value teamwork in order to achieve the best possible results.

For the season that has just ended, the prestigious recognition that is BKT Coach of the Season has been awarded to Ivan van Rooyen, together with the exclusive commemorative ring designed by BKT.

The South African manager has stood out on account of a season of major growth in his running of the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions, leading to a clear improvement of the team in performance terms. Winners of the South African Shield, seventh place in the final table and the historic qualification for the play-offs – the first in the competition in the club’s history – are all evidence the value of the work done.

This progress is also clearly shown by the numbers: the Lions registered the second best attack of the championship, with 532 points scored and the third largest number of tries (73), confirming their place as one of the most spectacular and incisive teams in the tournament.

With this award, Ivan van Rooyen has left his mark on the BKT URC season, fully embodying the values of leadership, vision and reliability. These are the same principles that guide BKT in its support for the world of sport and in its contribution, step after step, to the success of teams, professionals and fans.