Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and PSDT shortlisted for 2025 World Player of the Year

South Africans might feel aggrieved at a spate of dubious red cards, leading to grumblings of a conspiracy against the Springboks, but World Rugby on Tuesday nominated three Springboks for 2025 World Player of the Year.

Of course, the two are unrelated but it does highlight that despite some contentious officiating, there is recognition of the team’s success and excellence at some level of the sport.

In the 2025 World Player of the Year category, flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is nominated for a third time, hooker Malcolm Marx nominated for a second time and loosehead Ox Nche nominated for a first time.

France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey is the fourth player up for the award. Du Toit has won it twice – in 2019 and 2024 – while Marx missed out in 2018 to Ireland’s Johnny Sexton.

If Du Toit wins, he would join All Black legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw as the only three-time winners of the prestigious accolade.

In the Breakthrough of the Year category, Bok utility back Ethan Hooker was one of four nominees.

Hooker is up against England’s brash and skilful flank, Henry Pollock, who also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2025, All Black lock Fabian Holland and Wallaby centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Quality

“I’d like to congratulate Pieter-Steph, Malcolm, Ox and Ethan for being recognised among the best players in the world,” South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander said.

“To have three of the four nominees for Men’s 15s Player of the Year from South Africa, as well as Ethan in the Breakthrough category, is a testament to the quality of our players on the global stage.

“They have all performed exceptionally well this season and deserve this recognition. On behalf of SA Rugby and the entire country, I want to express how proud we are of them.

“We wish them well ahead of Saturday’s announcement. Regardless of the outcome, being nominated is already a remarkable achievement.”

Pollock is probably the favourite for the Breakthrough of the Year gong, although no one in that category delivered a performance on the level of Hooker’s against the All Blacks in Wellington.

The young Sharks man has been impressive, but in Wellington when the Boks produced a record 43-10 win over the All Blacks, Hooker was sublime.

Du Toit and Nche have been consistently brilliant in 2025, while Marx’s performances have become stronger as the season has progressed.

Nche’s unfortunate leg injury, sustained against Japan, ended his November tour and cost him valuable game time, but considering the Boks’ dominant scrum throughout the year, with Nche the most dominant of all the scrummagers, he has a good case for the award.

It would also be a good moment for the less-glamorous players in the sport.

Only one front-ranker – Keith Wood in 2001 – has won the World Player of the Year title.

There is no nomination for World Coach of the Year, but the award will be presented.

Bok mentor Rassie Erasmus is certainly a candidate, although England women’s coach John Mitchell, who guided his team to a World Cup title, is also worthy. DM

Nominees

International Rugby Players Men’s 15s Try of the Year

Santiago Cordero (Argentina, v British and Irish Lions – June)

Santiago Pedrero (Chile, v Samoa, South America/Pacific Play-off, RWC 2027 qualifier – October)

Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji, v Australia, men’s international – July)

Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand, v France, men’s international – July)

World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year

Recognising emerging talents who have made a significant impact on the international stage in 2025.

Fabian Holland (New Zealand)

Ethan Hooker (South Africa)

Henry Pollock (England)

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year

Celebrating the individual who has consistently delivered world‑class performances and inspired fans across the globe.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Ox Nche (South Africa)