The nominees have been unveiled for the World Rugby Awards 2025, with France\u2019s Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Springboks trio Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche in the running for the top prize.<\/b><\/p>\n
With the women\u2019s categories already awarded after the Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup 2025 in September, this year\u2019s men\u2019s shortlist spans three headline categories: International Rugby Player Try of the Year, World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, and Player of the Year.<\/p>\n
Nche<\/a>\u2018s 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.<\/p>\n Du Toit eyeing exclusive club<\/p>\n Meanwhile, their team-mate Du Toit<\/a> won that prestigious award last year and could become only the third player to be crowned the world\u2019s best player for a third time as he also walked off with the gong in 2019.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Another Springboks<\/a> player has also been nominated for the World Rugby Men\u2019s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award with utility back Ethan Hooker shortlisted alongside England\u2019s Henry Pollock<\/a>, Australia\u2019s Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and New Zealand\u2019s Fabian Holland.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, New Zealand\u2019s Tupou Vaa\u2019i, Argentina\u2019s Santiago Cordero, Fiji\u2019s Lekima Tagitagivalu and Chile\u2019s Santiago Pedrero are all up for the International Rugby Players Men\u2019s 15s Try of the Year award.<\/p>\n World Rugby Awards winners and losers: All Blacks and Lions snubbed, \u2018justice for props\u2019, Springboks domination and \u2018farcical decision\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n World Rugby chairperson Brett Robinson said: \u201cThe World Rugby Awards represent a celebration of the very best our sport has to offer.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom breathtaking tries to breakthrough talents and inspirational leaders, this year\u2019s nominees have shone brightly on the global stage in 2025, truly embodying the values and spirit of rugby.<\/p>\n \u201cOn behalf of World Rugby, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each nominee for their remarkable contributions and achievements over the past year.<\/p>\n