Four Boks crack Player of the Year nods

by | Nov 19, 2025 | African Golf News

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Four Springboks are on the shortlist in two flagship categories of the World Rugby Awards.

Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche are in the running for the World Rugby Player of the Year men’s award along with France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Ethan Hooker has been included in the Breakthrough award shortlist alongside New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock and Australia’s Joseph Suaalii.

Du Toit last year became the first South African in history to win the Player of the Year Award twice, after also walking away with the title in 2019.

The winners will be confirmed on Saturday.

POLL: Pick your 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year!

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

“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.

POLL: Pick your 2025 Breakthrough Player of the Year!

“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.”

FARRELL: Boks have been brilliant

South Africa boasts a strong history in the flagship award, with previous nominees including Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (2014), Faf de Klerk (2018) and Lukhanyo Am (2022).

Du Toit, Schalk Burger (2004) and Bryan Habana (2007) have claimed the title.

World Rugby will also unveil its Dream Team of the Year on Tuesday, 25 November.

Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The post Four Boks crack Player of the Year nods appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.