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Four Springboks were named on Tuesday as nominees for the 2026 World Rugby Awards. The list includes Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Ethan Hooker. Winners will be announced on 22 November 2025.
What Happened?
World Rugby confirmed its finalists for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year and Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year categories.
Du Toit, Marx, and Nche were named among the four contenders for the top Players’ Award alongside France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Du Toit enters the race with a strong pedigree. Last year, he became the first South African to win the award twice, adding the 2023 title to his 2019 crown.
For Marx, its his second career nomination after being shortlisted in 2018.
Meanwhile, young centre Ethan Hooker earned a place among the four nominees for Breakthrough Player of the Year. He joins New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock and Australia’s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Official Response
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the quartet for their consistent excellence.
“I’d like to congratulate Pieter-Steph, Malcolm, Ox and Ethan for being recognized among the best players in the world,” Alexander said. “To have three nominees in the top category, as well as Ethan in the Breakthrough group, shows the quality of our players on the global stage.”
World Rugby will also publish its Dream Team of the Year on 25 November 2025.
Community Impact
Local supporters have celebrated the news, saying the nominations emphasized the Springboks’ strong season and ongoing influence in international rugby.
The recognition also boosts interest ahead of the year-end awards ceremony, with fans eager to see whether South Africa adds another global title to its history.
