Wayne Van Der Bank:
Major League Rugby Player of the Year 2024.

On Wednesday August 14th, Wayne Van Der Bank etched his name into Major League Rugby history, accepting the MLR Player of the Year Award. The achievement makes Wayne the third consecutive New England Free Jack to receive the award. Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, Van Der Bank’s journey from the Golden Lions to the New England Free Jacks has been meteoric. Now, in 2024, he stands as the MLR Player of the Year, one of the driving forces behind the Free Jacks’ consecutive championship victories.

Video from Sports Center top 10 plays featuring Wayne van der Bank, the only MLR player to be featured by Sports Center in 2024. 

A Season of Unmatched Performance

Van Der Bank’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. He played a pivotal role in helping the New England Free Jacks secure back-to-back MLR Championship titles. His contributions were not just significant; they were game-changing. Starting in 16 matches and scoring ten tries, Van Der Bank was a constant threat to opposing defenses, showcasing his ability to turn the tide in favor of his team. 

One of the standout moments of his season was when he returned to his preferred outside center position after a brief stint at inside center. In his first game back in Week 7 against the Houston SaberCats, he crossed the try line three times, leading the Free Jacks to a commanding 47-35 victory. This performance was a microcosm of his entire season—dynamic, decisive, and dominant.

The numbers behind Van Der Bank’s season are as impressive as the accolades he received. He finished 7th in the league for tries scored with seven and was 5th in ball carries, covering an impressive 1,353 meters. However, it was his ability to break through defenses that truly set him apart. He led the league in tackle breaks (69) and defenders beaten (92), proving himself to be one of the most elusive and dangerous runners in MLR, particularly when in broken play opportunities. Wayne finished the season with a 93% tackle success rate of 187 tackles made, demonstrating a huge defensive work rate and his reliability. 

Image featuring: Wayne van der Bank (center) carrying the ball against Houston Sabercats

Recognitions and Award

Van Der Bank’s excellence did not go unnoticed. Throughout the season, he was named to the MLR First XV multiple times and received several Player of the Match awards. His consistent performances earned him the prestigious Quincy College Player of the Match on three occasions and the MLR Player of the Week for Round 12 against the San Diego Legion. At the season’s end, his peers and fans alike recognized his contributions, awarding him the Players’ Player of the Year, Delta Player of the Year, and 1st Regiment Fan’s Player of the Year.

(full list of awards can be found at the bottom of this article)

Image featuring: Wayne van der Bank (center) breaking through a tackle against NOLA Gold.

The Impact on the Free Jacks

Under Van Der Bank’s influence, the Free Jacks not only maintained their dominance in the league but also became a more cohesive and dangerous unit. Wayne’s connections and chemistry with playmaker Jayson Potroz and midfielders Le Roux Malan and Ben LeSage were instrumental in the team’s success and ability to regularly threaten opposition defenses. His performances in the playoffs were particularly crucial, helping the Free Jacks secure victories in the Eastern Conference semifinal against Old Glory DC and in the Championship Final against the Seattle Seawolves.

The Future

As the 2024 MLR season comes to a close, Wayne Van Der Bank’s future looks brighter than ever. At just 27 years old, he has already established himself as one of the premier talents in the league. His blend of attacking flair, defensive solidity, and leadership on the field makes him an invaluable asset to the New England Free Jacks and a player to watch in the coming years. 3 years into an initial 5 year contract, Wayne’s quest for making New England a new home is certainly on track. 

“This is well deserved recognition for Wayne and his wife Winicha for all of their unseen effort in shifting their lives to New England, then working super hard to ensure the move would be a successful one”, praised General Manager, Tom Kindley. “Wayne’s work rate has been relentless for us on and off-field. He does so much for our academy and community space, and has integrated seamlessly into the area. He is very approachable and puts the team first – that’s what makes him such an awesome Free Jack. Wayne had a championship caliber season this year and we are super proud of him.” 

Wayne Van Der Bank’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most impactful in MLR history. His journey from South Africa to New England, and his rise to becoming the league’s Player of the Year, is a story of determination, skill, and unrelenting excellence. As the MLR grows, so too will the legend of Wayne Van Der Bank—a player who truly embodies the spirit and passion of rugby.

Wayne van der Bank 2024 Awards:

ROUND 2 • MLR First XV: Old Glory D.C.
ROUND 7 • MLR First XV: Houston Sabercats
ROUND 7 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Houston Sabercats
ROUND 8 • MLR First XV: Seattle Seawolves
ROUND 12 • MLR Player of the Week: San Diego Legion 
ROUND 12 • MLR First XV: San Diego Legion
ROUND 13 • MLR First XV: Miami Sharks
ROUND 14 • MLR First XV: Dallas Jackals
ROUND 14 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Dallas Jackals 
ROUND 15 • MLR First XV: Old Glory D.C.
ROUND 18 • MLR First XV: Anthem Rugby Carolina 
ROUND 18 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Anthem Rugby Carolina
FJ Award • Players Player of the Year
FJ Award • Delta Player of the Year
Fan Award • 1st Regiment Fan’s Player of The Year
MLR Award • Major League Rugby Player of the Year 2024

2024 PLAYER STATS

Tries Scored: 10
Tackles Made: 187
Meters Gained: 1,353
Defenders Beaten: 126
Ruck Arrivals: 191

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news