Ex-England Stars Back Ox Nché for World Rugby Player of the Year Award
- Ox Nché has received fresh praise from two former England internationals after the Springboks’ recent series against New Zealand
- Ben Youngs and Dan Cole highlighted the loosehead prop’s work across several areas of South Africa’s game
- Their comments have added to the growing attention around Nché’s claims for rugby’s biggest individual honour
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Springboks prop Ox Nché has received strong backing from former England internationals Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, who have spoken positively about his chances of being considered for World Rugby Player of the Year recognition.
The comments came on the For The Love Of Rugby podcast and SA Rugby Magazine reported them on 15 September 2026.
Youngs specifically highlighted Nché’s contribution beyond his scrummaging, pointing to the number of jobs he performs during a match.
“One guy we’ve got to mention again when we talk about World Player of the Year – you’ve said Jordie Barrett there – obviously we’re on a campaign for Ox,” Youngs said.
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“We’re on a campaign for a prop to win Player of the Year and Ox, once again, was just doing things: carrying, scrummaging, mauling, tackling, counter-rucking, hitting rucks.”
Ben Youngs praises Nché’s all-round impact
Youngs also referred to Nché’s ability to contribute to the Springboks’ attacking play.
“I think he did another pass at nine again; I’m pretty sure he did a lovely little pass again,” he said. “No nine, no problems – Ox has got you.”
Nché was nominated for the 2025 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and eventual winner Malcolm Marx. World Rugby confirmed the three nominees in November 2025.
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Dan Cole highlights Springboks breakdown strength
Cole focused on how Nché fits into South Africa’s fast-paced approach, particularly after the Springboks’ 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore.
“The tempo they play with – you’ve got Ox, you’ve got your loosehead moving the ball. They’re not stagnant and waiting for a nine,” Cole said.
He also pointed to the Springboks’ effectiveness at the breakdown.
“New Zealand couldn’t really touch the Boks at the breakdown,” Cole said, adding that opponents would need to find ways to deal with South Africa’s physicality and speed of possession.
Nché’s 2025 nomination was notable because he became the first prop shortlisted for the award since its introduction in 2001.
The latest comments from Youngs and Cole therefore add another layer to the discussion around the influential Springbok loosehead.
All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams praises Ox Nché
Briefly News previously reported that All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams had praised Springboks counterpart Ox Nché ahead of the final Test in Baltimore.
Williams, who was sidelined with a spinal infection, described Nché as a “freak” and highlighted the South African’s ability to find and escape difficult positions at scrum time.
The New Zealand prop also recalled a moment in Soweto that showed Nché’s confidence, saying the Springbok was eager to take a scrum after an All Blacks knock-on. His comments added another international voice to the growing recognition of Nché’s influence.
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Source: Briefly News
