By Rorisang Modiba
- Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche and Ethan Hooker are finalists for major World Rugby awards after strong seasons for South Africa.
- Mark Alexander says the four Springboks show the depth of South African rugby as fans wait for the winners on Saturday, 22 November.
Four everyday families who love rugby have a reason to smile as four Springboks stand on the edge of the sport’s biggest awards.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche and Ethan Hooker are all up for honours at the 2026 World Rugby Awards. The nominations put South African rugby back in the global spotlight and give supporters something to celebrate.
Du Toit is back on the shortlist for Men’s Player of the Year. He made history last year as the first South African to win the award twice. He is joined by Marx, Nche and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
It is the second time Marx has been nominated, after first making the list in 2018. Nche’s strong season earns him his place among the world’s best.
Hooker is nominated for the Breakthrough Player award. He is up against Fabian Holland from New Zealand, England’s Henry Pollock and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of Australia.
SA Rugby boss Mark Alexander says the four players deserve every bit of recognition. He says their hard work shows the quality of South African rugby.
“To have three of the four nominees for Men’s Player of the Year from South Africa, and one in the Breakthrough category, shows the level of talent we have,” he said. “They’ve all played brilliantly and we are very proud of them. Even just being nominated is a huge achievement.”
Winners will be announced on Saturday, 22 November. The Dream Team of the Year will follow on Tuesday, 25 November.
Pictured above: Pieter-Steph du Toit aims for another top award.
Image source: SA Rugby
