Springboks Malcolm Marx Named World Rugby Player of the Year After Standout Season
- Malcolm Marx’s outstanding 2025 form has earned him the World Rugby Player of the Year award
- The Springbok hooker’s dominance in key Tests has been central to South Africa’s strong season
- An emotional meeting with young cancer survivor Nathan Jonker added a powerful human moment to Marx’s year
Springboks powerhouse hooker, Malcolm Marx, has capped off a remarkable year by being crowned the World Rugby Player of the Year.
Source: Getty Images
The 31-year-old edged out teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, along with French star Louis Bielle-Biarrey, to claim the sport’s top individual honour.
His win marks the first time a hooker has taken the award since Keith Wood did so back in 2001, underscoring the rare impact Marx continues to have on the global stage.
Marx’s exceptional form in the Springboks’ 2025 campaign
Marx has been central to South Africa’s consistency throughout 2025, starting in 11 of their 13 Tests to date. He has crossed the tryline five times this season, boosting his international tally to an impressive 27 tries. His performances have been defined by relentless physicality, leadership in the set-piece, and a work rate that consistently shifts momentum in the Springboks’ favour.
Player of the Year Award caps dominant performances
This year’s biggest moments belonged to Marx. He was influential in South Africa’s commanding 43–10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington and delivered one of his finest Test displays during the Springboks’ 32–17 triumph over France in Saint-Denis.
Watch the clip below:
Springboks fans online celebrated Marx for his great feat.
@fastaireZA:
“Well deserved! Now go get some stitches for that cut.”
@Nkaabanhle:
“Finally!”
@90minsWarrior :
“What a fighter.”
@JoeBankss :
“Well deserved.”
@DreadyPrince:
“Congrats #Springboks.”
@fbellingan:
“Legend. Best hooker to ever play the game.”
@MadunaGubevu:
“Huge congratulations to Marx.”
@Soulfly300:
“Gutted for Ox but very happy Marx is back to his best. Best in the world, no doubt.”
@Biejanka4:
“Congratulations, big guy. Well deserved, champ.”
@colin_botha:
“Big boss! Best hooker in the game.”
@lungi_love22:
“Great play from Marx tonight! I’m proud of him.”
With one fixture remaining against Wales, Marx’s recognition as World Rugby Player of the Year feels like the culmination of a season in which he shaped matches both with and without the ball.
Source: Getty Images
Marx, who took responsibility for the 24-17 defeat at Eden Park on 6 September, touched hearts when he met a young fan who had overcome cancer. The emotional encounter took place on Saturday, 13 September, at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
After the game, he shook hands with Nathan Jonker, a young South African Kiwi whose fight against cancer has inspired thousands.
Nathan was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and had watched the Rugby World Cup final from his hospital bed.
At the time, the Springboks hooker sent him a video encouraging him to keep fighting and promising that one day they would meet. That dream was fulfilled two years later on Saturday.
Watch the video below:
Springboks defeat Ireland
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks tightened their grip on the autumn international window with a powerful 24–13 victory over Ireland.
The Springboks, who arrived in Dublin without a win there since 2012, controlled the gainline from the opening exchanges and fed off Ireland’s repeated ill-discipline to score four tries against a side reduced to 14 men for long spells.
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Source: Briefly News
