Springboks Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Ethan Hooker have all been nominated in key categories for the prestigious World Rugby Awards.
Du Toit, Marx and Nche have been nominated in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year category, while Hooker features among those who could walk away with the Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year accolade.
The winners will be revealed on Saturday, 22 November.
Du Toit, who last year became the first South African in history to win the World Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award twice, after also walking away with the title in 2019, was nominated for World Rugby’s most decorated title once again, along with Marx, Nche and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
This represents the second time Marx has been nominated for the award, as he was also among the nominees in 2018.
Deserved recognition for Springbok stars from World Rugby
Hooker, meanwhile, was nominated as one of four players in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year category, with New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock and Australian Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
“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.
“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.”
Other South Africans who received nominations for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award in the last 11 years are Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (both in 2014), Faf de Klerk (2018), and Lukhanyo Am (in 2022).
Apart from Du Toit, only two other South Africans have walked away with top honours, Schalk Burger in 2004, and Bryan Habana in 2007.
World Rugby will also announce its Dream Team of the Year on Tuesday, 25 November.
Meanwhile, fans around the world will once again play a decisive role in celebrating the most spectacular score of the season.
The winner will be the most popular try as voted by fans on World Rugby and RugbyPass Instagram channels (voting closes on Thursday, 20 November).
- 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)
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)
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)
