With two regular matches left, no less than four of my current short-list of five are also South Africans - currently surplus to requirements in their native land, which yet again speaks volumes for South Africa's unbelievable strength in depth and the professionalism of players from that country.
They don't necessarily come cheap, but you invariably get value for money when you go shopping for players in the Rainbow Nation.
One thinks also of how a distinguished World Cup winner such as Butch James has consistently put his body on the line since arriving at Bath.
It is interesting that in this strangest of seasons my candidates could virtually double up for the "Unsung Hero" award.
Until the dashers and runners took over in the last month, it has been a season for the stalwarts and hard men of the game.
Have your say on who you think should be named Guinness Premiership Player of the Year...
My five candidates:
1. Schalk Brits (Saracens)
A dynamo for Sarries from start to finish. While never ignoring duties in the
tight, Brits has, on many occasions, been their most dangeorus runner in the
loose and is finishing the season like a train. Has figured in past
Springboks teams but it his very great misfortune to be a contemporary of
John Smit. Still scary to think he might not feature in the 2011 World Cup,
though.
2. Hendre Fourie (Leeds Carnegie)
Born in Burgersdrop, played for the Cheethas, and once dreamed of being a
Sprinbok, but has been in England since 2005 when he joined the Rotherham
Titans and is now a nauralised Englishman, available if Martin Johnson looks
his way. And don't bet against it. Has been magnificent, often in adversity,
for Leeds this season. That rare backrower who can combine fierce
physicality with fetching and carrying duties. Top tackler in the
Premiership this season with 180 hits.
3. Juandre Kruger (Northampton)
The Boks have finally got wise and realised that this outstanding young
second row, just 24, really needs to be back home with the Bulls and
cementing his place in South Africa's 2011 World Cup squad. Alas for Saints
fans, he will be leaving at the end of this season. Terrific, athletic,
all-purpose lock and line-out ace, Kruger was spotted by Russia coach Steve
Diamond, who works as a talent scout for Saints, when he was out in South
Africa with a Russia team playing a Bulls Development squad. Inspired
signing.
4. Chris Ashton (Northampton)
Struggled last season, but, with his confidence restored, a breath of fresh
air this campaign for Saints and hopefully, going forward, England, after a
useful debut in Paris last month. A natural try scorer with pace and wit,
what has impressed most this season is how he has also worked on his defence
and kicking. 15 Premiership tries to date, seven ahead of second placed Matt
Banahan. Very nearly the full package now.
5. Ernst Joubert (Saracens)
The hard man in Sarries formidable pack and, although operating in the
back-row, comfortably the Premiership's top line-out operator with 90 clean
takes thus far - in second and third place are countrymen Marco Wentzel at
Leeds and Kruger on 73, with London Irish specialist Nick Kennedy the first
home-grown player on 72. Very consistent and never seems to get injured.
Honourble mentions in dispatches:
Jordan Crane and Geordon Murphy (Leicester), Steffon Armitage (London Irish),
Ben Foden (Northampton), Nick Evans (Harlequins), Dom Waldouk, Dan
Ward-Smith (Wasps)
Phil Dowson has to be in the top 5. He never has a bad game and has been hugely influential in Saints' revival.
Brits is a revelation in the loose, but to pretend he's even acceptable in the tight play is bizarre. He's poor in the scrum - contributing massively to Saracen's woes there - and his lineout throwing is absolutely awful.
In other words, he's exactly the same as he was back in SA, which is why he's not international class.
Great player to watch but let's not gloss over his massive flaws.
Tonga'uiha was there but then he changed his mind, for personal reasons!
Has to be Fourie who has fronted up magnificantly in a struggling team (England take note). Outstanding.
No Tonga'uiha, this shortlist cant be taken seriously.
I'd also throw Tonga'uiha in the mix for being the cornerstone of the Saints revival and I cant remember him having a bad game.
This season has been all about Brits though, the go-to-guy who has, almost single handed, carried a depressing Sarries team and galvanised them. if only he and Kruger were English...
Depressing that 4 of the 5 are saffers.