Rugby fans have plenty to look forward to as the global spotlight turns toward the upcoming World Rugby Awards.
The conversation this year has been dominated by a group of standout Springboks who have not only delivered exceptional performances but have also earned nominations in some of the most prestigious categories.
Strong Springbok Presence Among Top Nominees
In a year filled with world-class rugby moments, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche have all been shortlisted for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year title.
Their consistency, power, and influence on the field have placed them among the elite contenders.
Alongside them is Ethan Hooker, whose explosive rise has secured him a place in the Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year category.
His nomination reflects how quickly he has become a name to watch in international rugby.
Recognition Rooted in Performance and History
The awards will be announced on Saturday, 22 November, adding an extra layer of anticipation for South African supporters.
Du Toit enters this year’s ceremony with a remarkable record—he became the first South African in history to claim the Men’s 15s Player of the Year title twice, winning in both 2019 and again last year.
His name appears on the shortlist once more, joined by teammates Marx and Nche, as well as France’s rising star Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
For Marx, this marks his second career nomination, with his first recognition dating back to 2018.
The recurring nods highlight not only his endurance but also his consistent impact on the game.
Breakthrough Talent Stepping Into the Spotlight
Ethan Hooker’s nomination is another major talking point.
He stands among three other emerging stars—New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock, and Australia’s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
This group represents the next generation of elite rugby athletes making their mark on the international stage.
A Proud Moment for South African Rugby
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander expressed deep pride in the achievements of the Springbok nominees.
He noted that having three of the four top-player nominees come from South Africa, along with Hooker earning breakthrough recognition, speaks volumes about the strength of the nation’s rugby talent.
According to Alexander, every one of the nominees has performed at an exceptional level throughout the season.
Regardless of who ultimately wins, he emphasized that earning a nomination alone is already a significant honour.
South Africa’s Track Record in Top Rugby Honours
South African players have maintained a strong presence in global rugby awards over the years.
Previous nominees include Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (2014), Faf de Klerk (2018), and Lukhanyo Am (2022).
When it comes to winners, only a handful of South Africans have claimed the top prize: Schalk Burger in 2004, Bryan Habana in 2007, and Du Toit with his two historic victories.
Dream Team and Fan-Voted Awards on the Horizon
The excitement doesn’t end with player awards.
World Rugby will also unveil its Dream Team of the Year on Tuesday, 25 November, a reveal that always fuels plenty of discussion among fans.
Supporters will once again take part in selecting the season’s most spectacular try.
Voting is happening on the World Rugby and RugbyPass Instagram pages and wraps up on Thursday, 20 November.
Several stunning tries—scored by players from Argentina, Chile, Fiji, and New Zealand—are in the running for the top spot.
Full Nominee Lists
Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Celebrating rising stars making a remarkable impact in 2025:
- Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
- Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)
Men’s 15s Player of the Year
Honouring the athlete who consistently performs at the highest level:
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
- Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
- Ox Nche (South Africa)