The nominees have been unveiled for the World Rugby Awards 2025, with France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Springboks trio Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche in the running for the top prize.
With the women’s categories already awarded after the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in September, this year’s men’s shortlist spans three headline categories: International Rugby Player Try of the Year, World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, and Player of the Year.
Nche‘s nomination is a significant one as he is the first prop in history who has been nominated for the Player of the Year award while it is the second time Marx has been nominated as he was also among the nominees in 2018.
Du Toit eyeing exclusive club
Meanwhile, their team-mate Du Toit won that prestigious award last year and could become only the third player to be crowned the world’s best player for a third time as he also walked off with the gong in 2019.
Legendary All Blacks duo Richie McCaw (2006, 2009 and 2010) and Dan Carter (2005, 2012 and 2015) are the only players who have won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards.
Another Springboks player has also been nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award with utility back Ethan Hooker shortlisted alongside England’s Henry Pollock, Australia’s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and New Zealand’s Fabian Holland.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Tupou Vaa’i, Argentina’s Santiago Cordero, Fiji’s Lekima Tagitagivalu and Chile’s Santiago Pedrero are all up for the International Rugby Players Men’s 15s Try of the Year award.
World Rugby chairperson Brett Robinson said: “The World Rugby Awards represent a celebration of the very best our sport has to offer.
“From breathtaking tries to breakthrough talents and inspirational leaders, this year’s nominees have shone brightly on the global stage in 2025, truly embodying the values and spirit of rugby.
“On behalf of World Rugby, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each nominee for their remarkable contributions and achievements over the past year.
“Following the recognition of our women’s stars in September, I now look forward with great anticipation to announcing the winners and unveiling the Dream Team of the Year later this month, as we bring the year to a fitting and memorable close.”
World Rugby Awards
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
Ox Nche (South Africa)
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
Henry Pollock (England)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)
International Rugby Players Men’s 15s 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)
Each nominee has been voted by the World Rugby Awards panel, comprised of the game’s legends, Jacques Burger, Fiona Coghlan, Victor Matfield, Drew Mitchell, Ugo Monye, Sergio Parisse, Kieran Read and Blaine Scully.
That ensures that the highest accolades in the sport are a peer recognition reflecting of both excellence on the field and inspiration off it.
The recipients of the World Rugby Awards 2025 Men’s categories will be revealed across World Rugby’s digital platforms on Saturday, November 22, ensuring fans everywhere can share in the excitement.
In addition, the highly anticipated World Rugby Dream Team of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, November 25, showcasing the standout performers from across the rugby world.