Springboks dominate as Du Toit, Marx, Nché headlines World Rugby Player of the Year shortlist

Three Springboks have been named among the nominees for the 2026 Men’s 15s Player of the Year award, the governing body announced on Tuesday.

The recognition underscores the continued brilliance of the world champions, with loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, hooker Malcolm Marx and prop Ox Nché shortlisted alongside France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey for one of the sport’s most coveted honours.

Du Toit is the current holder of the accolade, having received it last season. He will be in line to win it for a record third time should he be chosen on 22 November when the awards will be held. This marks the second nomination for Marx, while Nché is the first prop in the history of the awards to be nominated.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander Du Toit, Marx, Nché and Ethan Hooker on their nominations across the categories.

Hooker has been shortlisted as one of four players for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award, alongside New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, England’s Henry Pollock and Australia’s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

“I’d like to congratulate Pieter-Steph, Malcolm, Ox and Ethan for being recognised among the best players in the world,” Alexander said in a statement.

“To have three of the four nominees for Men’s 15s Player of the Year from South Africa, as well as Ethan in the Breakthrough category, is a testament to the quality of our players on the global stage.

“They have all performed exceptionally well this season and deserve this recognition. On behalf of SA Rugby and the entire country, I want to express our pride in them.

“We wish them well ahead of Saturday’s announcement. Regardless of the outcome, being nominated is already a remarkable achievement.”World Rugby is also set to name a Dream Team of the Year during the awards ceremony later this month.