Ox Nche’s stellar season puts him in the running for World Rugby Player of the Year

T Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx are other Springboks nominated

Katlego Sekhu

Ox Nche’s stellar season puts him in the running for World Rugby Player of the Year — Image: Instagram/@ox_nche

World Rugby has announced the nominees for the 2025 men’s awards, celebrating the standout players, rising talents and unforgettable moments that have shaped the sport over the past year.

The women’s categories were concluded during the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September, leaving three major men’s awards to be decided later this month: International Rugby Players Association Try of the Year, World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and World Rugby Player of the Year.

The shortlist was selected by the World Rugby Awards panel, a group of former international stars including Victor Matfield, Ugo Monye, Kieran Read, Sergio Parisse and Fiona Coghlan. Their selections recognise exceptional performances on the field as well as the inspirational influence each nominee has had throughout 2025.

Winners will be revealed across World Rugby’s digital platforms on Saturday, 22 November, giving fans across the globe the opportunity to follow the announcements in real time. The popular World Rugby Dream Team of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, 25 November.

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

Fans will once again choose the sport’s most spectacular score of the season. Voting is open on the World Rugby and RugbyPass Instagram accounts until Thursday, 20 November.

Nominees:
• Santiago Cordero (Argentina v British and Irish Lions – June)
• Santiago Pedrero (Chile v Samoa, RWC 2027 qualifier – October)
• Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji v Australia – July)
• Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand v France – July)

World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year

This category recognises emerging stars who have made a significant impact on the international stage in 2025.

Nominees:
• Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
• Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
• Henry Pollock (England)
• Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year

One of rugby’s highest honours, awarded to the player who has delivered world-class performances throughout the year while earning the admiration of fans worldwide.

Nominees:
• Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
• Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
• Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
• Ox Nche (South Africa)

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson praised the calibre of this year’s contenders, saying the nominees “truly embody the values and spirit of rugby”.

“The World Rugby Awards represent a celebration of the very best our sport has to offer,” Robinson said. “From breathtaking tries to breakthrough talents and inspirational leaders, this year’s nominees have shone brightly on the global stage. I look forward to announcing the winners and unveiling the Dream Team of the Year later this month as we bring 2025 to a memorable close.”