Springbok players dominated the nominees for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award announced on Tuesday.
The winner will be revealed on Saturday, 22 November.
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Loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, hooker Malcolm Marx and prop Ox Nche were all nominated, along with France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Du Toit, who last year became the first South African to win the Player of the Year award twice – after also walking away with the title in 2019 – was once again nominated for World Rugby’s most decorated title.
Meanwhile, this represents the second time that Marx has been nominated for the award, as he was also among the nominees in 2018.
It’s a first nomination for Nche who is currently sidelined through injury.
Apart from Du Toit, only two other South Africans have walked away with top honours in the past, namely Schalk Burger in 2004, and Bryan Habana in 2007.
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It would come as something of a major shock if Malcolm Marx wasn’t named Player of the Year such has been his level of play in 2025.
Marx has started all of his 10 Tests to date this year, scoring five tries to cement himself as the Springboks’ all-time leading forward try-scorer with 26.
That places him in a tie for sixth place overall alongside Breyton Paulse and only one five-pointer behind Jean de Villiers.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, although a well-deserved nominee, hasn’t been at his best at times in 2025, while it’s arguably something of a surprise that Ox Nche has been shortlisted having endured an injury-plagued season.
And the World Rugby Awards panel would really have to hate South Africa for Louis Bielle-Biarrey to walk away with the award.
Breakthrough Player of the Year award
Meanwhile, Springbok utlity back Ethan Hooker was also recognised for his performances in 2025 with a nomination for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
The Sharks star was shortlisted alongside All Black lock Fabian Holland, England loose forward Henry Pollock and Wallabies centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
It would be another major upset if Pollock didn’t walk away with the win.
Finally, no Springbok player was nominated in the Try of the Year category.
Meanwhile, World Rugby will also announce its Dream Team of the Year on Tuesday, 25 November.
Who gets your vote as World Rugby’s Player of the Year for 2025?
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