Malcolm Marx is the world\u2019s top rugby player for 2025. The double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok hooker became the fourth South African to be crowned the World Rugby Men\u2019s 15s Player of the Year on Saturday (22 November).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 31-year old hooker, who has been a key figure for the Springboks in the lineouts, scrums, at the breakdowns, and in general play this season, scooped the award for the first time after being nominated alongside his teammates Pieter-Steph Du Toit, the 2024 and 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year, as well as Ox Nche (prop) for the world\u2019s most prestigious player award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marx, who was also nominated for the award in 2018 and was the SA Rugby Men\u2019s Player of the Year in 2017, joined the exclusive list of only three South Africans, Du Toit, Bryan Habana (2007), and Schalk Burger (2004), to earn the award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn behalf of SA Rugby, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Malcolm,\u201d said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander. \u201cHis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alexander also praised Du Toit, Nche and Ethan Hooker, who was nominated for the World Rugby Men\u2019s Breakthrough Player of the Year award, noting that their recognition reflects the strength and depth of South African rugby under the leadership of coach Rassie Erasmus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo have three of the four nominees for World Rugby Men\u2019s 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,\u201d Alexander added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other South Africans who received nominations for the Men\u2019s 15s Player of the Year Award are 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 in 2014), Faf de Klerk and Marx (both 2018), Cheslin Kolbe (2019 and 2024), and Lukhanyo Am (2022)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
His work ethic is simply unbelievable and he embodies everything we value in a Springbok, resilience, commitment and 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