Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year on Saturday, becoming the fourth South African to claim the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.
The achievement marks a historic moment for South African rugby, with two Springboks winning the award in consecutive years for the first time.
Marx’s teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit claimed the title last year, making him the first South African to win the award twice, having previously secured it in 2019.
The 31-year-old double World Cup winner was nominated alongside Du Toit and prop Ox Nché for this year’s award. Marx has been instrumental for the Springboks this season across lineouts, scrums, breakdowns, and general play.
“On behalf of SA Rugby, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Malcolm,” said Mr Alexander. “His work ethic is simply unbelievable and he embodies everything we value in a Springbok – resilience, commitment and character. This award is a fitting recognition of his contribution to our team and to the sport of rugby.”
Marx joins an exclusive group of South African winners, alongside du Toit, Bryan Habana (2007), and Schalk Burger (2004). The hooker was previously nominated for the award in 2018 and was named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year in 2017.
Alexander also recognised fellow nominees Du Toit and Nché, as well as Ethan Hooker, who received a nomination for the World Rugby Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award. He noted that their recognition reflects the strength of South African rugby under coach Rassie Erasmus.
“To have three of the four nominees for World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year and a Breakthrough Player nominee from our country is a testament to the class of this team. We are immensely proud of them all,” Alexander added.
Previous South African nominees for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award were Joe van Niekerk (2002), Marius Joubert (2004), Habana (2005), Victor Matfield (2005 and 2010), Fourie du Preez (2006 and 2009), Frans Steyn (2009), Eben Etzebeth (2013, 2023 and 2024), Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (both 2014), Faf de Klerk and Marx (both 2018), Cheslin Kolbe (2019 and 2024), and Lukhanyo Am (2022).
