It seems the Springboks are making a habit of dominating the World Rugby Awards nominations list. This year, not one, not two, but four South African players are gracing the top categories. Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche have all thrown their hats in the ring for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year men’s award, squaring off against France’s young gun Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Meanwhile, Ethan Hooker is making waves in the Breakthrough award shortlist, where he faces stiff competition from New Zealand's Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock, and Australia’s Joseph Suaalii.
Last year, Du Toit etched his name in the history books as the first South African to win the Player of the Year Award twice, with victories in 2019 and then again in 2024. The winners of this year’s awards will be unveiled this Saturday, sparking debates and betting pools worldwide.
"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.
"Having three of the four nominees for Men’s 15s Player of the Year hail from South Africa, along with Ethan in the Breakthrough category, is a clear indicator of our players' prowess on the global stage."
Alexander continued, praising the players' exceptional performances and expressing national pride. "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."
South Africa has a storied legacy in this flagship award, with previous nominees including rugby luminaries like Willie le Roux, Duane Vermeulen, Faf de Klerk, and Lukhanyo Am. Legends such as Du Toit, Schalk Burger, and Bryan Habana have previously clinched the title.
As the rugby community buzzes with anticipation, all eyes will be on the unveiling of the Dream Team of the Year on the following Tuesday, 25 November. In a sport where the competition is fierce and the talent is overflowing, these awards are a moment to acknowledge those who have soared above the rest.
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It seems the Springboks are making a habit of dominating the World Rugby Awards nominations list. This year, not one, not two, but four South African players are gracing the top categories. Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche have all thrown their hats in the ring for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year men’s award, squaring off against France’s young gun Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Meanwhile, Ethan Hooker is making waves in the Breakthrough award shortlist, where he faces stiff competition from New Zealand's Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock, and Australia’s Joseph Suaalii.
Last year, Du Toit etched his name in the history books as the first South African to win the Player of the Year Award twice, with victories in 2019 and then again in 2024. The winners of this year’s awards will be unveiled this Saturday, sparking debates and betting pools worldwide.
"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."Having three of the four nominees for Men’s 15s Player of the Year hail from South Africa, along with Ethan in the Breakthrough category, is a clear indicator of our players' prowess on the global stage."
Alexander continued, praising the players' exceptional performances and expressing national pride. "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."
South Africa has a storied legacy in this flagship award, with previous nominees including rugby luminaries like Willie le Roux, Duane Vermeulen, Faf de Klerk, and Lukhanyo Am. Legends such as Du Toit, Schalk Burger, and Bryan Habana have previously clinched the title.
As the rugby community buzzes with anticipation, all eyes will be on the unveiling of the Dream Team of the Year on the following Tuesday, 25 November. In a sport where the competition is fierce and the talent is overflowing, these awards are a moment to acknowledge those who have soared above the rest.