Rugby Legends Select Nominees for This Year’s Top Global Honours. Image- World Rugby.
(The Post News)- Springboks, winners of Rugby Championship and are presently atop the international rankings, dominate the nominations.
There are many South African celebrities on World Rugby’s Men’s Player of the Year shortlist. Pieter-Steph du Toit, the reigning champion and two-time winner, is in the lead. Notable prop Ox Nche and formidable hooker Malcolm Marx, who was nominated in 2018, are also in the group. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, from France who won the Investec Champions Cup is the only non-South African on the list.
Three main categories are highlighted in this year’s men’s awards. World Rugby Player of the Year, International Rugby Player Try of the Year, and Breakthrough Player of the Year.
The nominations were carefully chosen by former rugby greats such as Jacques Burger, Fiona Coghlan, Victor Matfield, Drew Mitchell, Ugo Monye, Sergio Parisse, Kieran Read, and Blaine Scully. Every nomination is an acknowledgement from peers who recognize the enthusiasm and dedication. It influences each player to contribute to the game, as legends make the final decisions.
The big unveiling won’t take long for fans. On Saturday, November 22, World Rugby will reveal the men’s award winners on all of its digital channels. It is allowing fans from all over the world to unite in celebrating the greatest in the sport.
On Tuesday, November 25, Globe Rugby will reveal the Dream Team of the Year. It is highlighting the exceptional players that lit up the rugby globe this season, adding to the excitement.

2025 World Rugby Nominees.
International Rugby Men’s 15’s Try Of The Year.
- 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)
Men’s 15’s Breakthrough Player Of The Year.
- Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
- Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)
Rugby Men’s 15’s Player Of The Year.
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
- Malcom Marx (South Africa)
- Ox Nche (South Africa)