Bok Quartet In Line For Prestigious World Rugby Awards

Also nominated for this top honour are two of Du Toit’s Springbok teammates, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche, and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Bok rookie Ethan Hooker, meanwhile, has been 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.

Du Toit, who last year became the first South African in history to win the award twice, after also walking away with the title in 2019, has continued his fine form in the Green and Gold No. 7 jersey this season.

Marx is back to playing the best rugby of his life and is nominated for the second time, with the star hooker also having been among the nominees in 2018.

Nche has been an unstoppable force at loosehead prop, helping power the Boks to another dominant campaign and earning a nomination for the prestigious prize.

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.

Young utility back Hooker has taken to Test rugby like a duck to water and is fresh off scoring his first try for the Boks in last Saturday’s 32-14 win over Italy in Turin.

Each nominee has been voted by the World Rugby Awards panel, comprised of former legends of the game, Jacques Burger, Fiona Coghlan, Victor Matfield, Drew Mitchell, Ugo Monye, Sergio Parisse, Kieran Read and Blaine Scully, ensuring that the highest accolades in the sport are a peer recognition reflecting of both excellence on the field and inspiration off it.

The recipients of the World Rugby Awards 2025 men’s categories will be revealed on Saturday, 22 November. In addition, the highly anticipated World Rugby Dream Team of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, 25 November, showcasing the standout performers from across the rugby world.

World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson said: “The World Rugby Awards represent a celebration of the very best our sport has to offer. From breath-taking tries to breakthrough talents and inspirational leaders, this year’s nominees have shone brightly on the global stage in 2025, truly embodying the values and spirit of rugby. On behalf of World Rugby, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each nominee for their remarkable contributions and achievements over the past year.

“Following the recognition of our women’s stars in September, I now look forward with great anticipation to announcing the winners and unveiling the Dream Team of the Year later this month, as we bring the year to a fitting and memorable close.”

International Rugby Players Association Men’s 15s Try of the Year

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)

World Rugby 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)

World Rugby 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)