Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx added the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award to his World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year accolade at the SA Rugby Awards, presented by FNB on Thursday.

Marx, who previously won the award in 2017, edged out four strong finalists in Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ox Nche and Jasper Wiese to claim the top honour.

Nadine Roos made it two in a row by being named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for a second successive season. The versatile player also claimed the Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award, completing a memorable double.

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks were recognised for a brilliant 2025 campaign, taking the Coach and Team of the Year awards after successfully defending the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title and winning 11 of their 13 Tests.

The awards ceremony celebrated what SA Rugby president Mark Alexander described as “arguably the finest year in the history of South African rugby”.

“Malcolm led the charge for the Springboks and richly deserves this accolade alongside his World Rugby Player of the Year Award, while Nadine was the spark that ignited the finest season we have ever witnessed from our Springbok Women,” said Alexander.

PHOTO GALLERY | AND THE WINNERS ARE…

“The year 2025 will remain etched in our memories for decades to come, thanks to Rassie, Siya and the Springboks. Yet it was not only the senior team that shone – every one of our national sides delivered and we are immensely proud of all the winners.”

Alexander highlighted the achievements across all national teams, with the Springbok Women reaching the Rugby World Cup playoffs for the first time, the Junior Springboks capturing the U20 World Championship for the first time since 2012, and the Blitzboks triumphing in the HSBC SVNS World Championship.

Roos saw off competition from Byrhandré Dolf, Aseza Hele, Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Babalwa Latsha to claim the women’s award. Two new awards were added to the roster on Thursday, with Dolf named as the first winner of the SA Rugby Young Women’s Player of the Year award.

Ethan Hooker walked away with the award for SA Rugby Men’s Young Player of the Year, while Shilton van Wyk was named Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year and Haashim Pead was honoured as Junior Springbok Player of the Year.

Faye Mfikwe, chief marketing officer of FNB, said: “We are honoured to celebrate the remarkable sportsmen and women recognised at this year’s SA Rugby Awards, whose achievements continue to inspire pride across our nation.”

On the domestic front, the DHL Stormers’ Feinberg-Mngomezulu was named SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season for 2024/25, while Donavan Don of the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers won the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year award.

Andrew Kota of the Griffons claimed the Carling Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year honour, and Patience Mokone of the Isuzu Bulls Daisies was named Provincial Women’s Player of the Year.

Aimee Barrett-Theron, who took charge of the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening game and one of the semi-finals, won the OUTsurance Referee of the Year Award for the fourth time.

The Springboks’ record 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington, New Zealand was voted as the FNB Fans’ Moment of the Year, while SA Wheelchair Rugby was named as the Associate Member of the Year.

Siya Kolisi received the Spirit of ’95 Award for his “exceptional contribution in uplifting the game and the nation, through the example of inclusivity and ubuntu, demonstrating iconic and inspirational leadership to the sport and the country”.

Erasmus was awarded the Springbok Legacy Award, recognising his “extraordinary contribution made to promote and enhance the standing of Springbok rugby”. He also reached 50 Tests as head coach of the Springboks last year, only the second person to achieve this milestone.

Nolusindiso Booi, who retired after the 2025 season, was honoured for reaching 50 Test caps, the first Springbok Women’s player to achieve the feat. Three members of the Springbok management were also recognised: team manager Charles Wessels (200 Tests), assistant coach Mzwandile Stick (100 Tests) and technical analyst Lindsay Weyer (100 Tests).

The prestigious President’s Award was presented to Gavin Varejes for his contribution to the sport over three decades, including his work through the South African Rugby Legends Association.

“Gavin has financially supported individual athletes in ways that may never be known and when rugby has made the call, he has usually had an answer,” said Alexander. “Quite simply, he has been the single biggest benefactor to rugby in South Africa for decades.”

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