CAPE TOWN – South African rugby’s elite are set for a showdown, not on the field, but on the ballot. SA Rugby has officially unveiled the nominees for the 2025 Annual Awards, following a blockbuster year that saw the Springboks and national age-group teams dominate the global stage.
The headliner is undoubtedly the Men’s Player of the Year category, where a mix of veteran “bomb squad” legends and a generational rising star will compete for the country’s highest individual rugby honor.
The Heavyweights: Men’s Player of the Year
The nominations reflect a year of pure dominance. Leading the pack is Malcolm Marx, the reigning World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year. However, he faces a “group of death” in the local voting:
- Malcolm Marx: The world’s premier hooker.
- Pieter-Steph du Toit: The engine room and defensive stalwart.
- Ox Nche: The scrumming powerhouse and fan favorite.
- Jasper Wiese: The physical enforcer of the back row.
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: The 2025 breakout sensation who has revolutionized the Bok backline.
The Future is Now: Young Player of the Year
South Africa’s “conveyor belt” of talent is on full display. Notably, four out of the five Young Player nominees are already capped Springboks.
- The Contenders: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Canan Moodie, Zachary Porthen, and Junior Bok star Haashim Pead.
National Success Reflected in Coaching & Teams
The shortlists for Coach and Team of the Year highlight a trophy-laden 2025:
- Rassie Erasmus & The Springboks: Following a triumphant Rugby Championship and an unbeaten November tour.
- Kevin Foote & The Junior Boks: After clinching the World Rugby U20 Championship.
- Philip Snyman & The Blitzboks: Following their HSBC SVNS World Championship victory in LA.
- Swys de Bruin & The Bok Women: After their historic performance at the Rugby World Cup.
Full List of Major Categories
| Category | Nominees |
| Men’s Player of the Year | P.S. du Toit, S. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, M. Marx, O. Nche, J. Wiese |
| Women’s Player of the Year | B. Dolf, A. Hele, L. Janse van Rensburg, B. Latsha, N. Roos |
| Springbok Sevens Player | S. Davids, S. van Wyk, I. Visser |
| Junior Springbok Player | C. Jooste, R. Norton, H. Pead |
Fan’s Choice: Voting Open for “Moment of the Year”
Supporters have been invited to have their say in the FNB Fans’ Moment of the Year. Contenders include the Boks’ record win over the All Blacks in New Zealand, the Junior Boks’ World Championship title, and the Springbok Women’s historic World Cup run.
