Mapimpi was crowned the URC Player of the Month for January on Wednesday, after the Springbok and Sharks winger scored a hat-trick of tries against the Lions.
Mapimpi was singled out by a panel of South African rugby media not only for his four tries in two games in January, but also for his general work rate and “anticipation and creativity on attack and his tenacity on defense – whether through his tackling or claiming the high ball.”
Mapimpi’s performances were universally praised by the media, who agreed that he is currently the best winger in the world.
“Makazole Mapimpi has underlined his standing as one of the premier wings in world rugby. His ability to combine with Lukhanyo Am in particular gives the Sharks a different dynamic with ball-in-hand.
“Mapimpi is at the top of his game. He’s world class and in a league of his own.”
The speedster follows in the footsteps of his fellow Springbok outside back Warrick Gelant, who won the URC award for October.
Mapimpi is sure to be an obvious selection for the Springboks later this year, and their confirmed schedule for 2022 can be found below:
Incoming Series fixtures (kick-off times TBC):
Saturday, 2 July: Springboks v Wales – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 9 July: Springboks v Wales – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Saturday, 16 July: Springboks v Wales – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Rugby Championship fixtures (kick-off times TBC):
Saturday, 6 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Saturday, 13 August: Springboks v New Zealand – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 27 August: Springboks v Australia – venue TBC
Saturday, 3 September: Springboks v Australia – venue TBC
Saturday, 17 September: Springboks v Argentina – Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Saturday, 24 September: Springboks v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban