Springboks Star Malcolm Marx Crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
In a spectacular display of global rugby talent, the annual World Rugby Awards returned on Saturday, celebrating the sport’s top performers in men’s categories for the 2025 calendar year. South Africa’s Malcolm Marx, New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, and Chile’s Santiago Pedrero emerged as the exceptional winners.
Malcolm Marx: World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
The prestigious title went to Malcolm Marx, the influential hooker from South Africa’s Springboks. This is Marx’s first victory in the category, having been nominated once before. He joins an elite club of South African winners, including Pieter-Steph du Toit, Schalk Burger, and Bryan Habana.
After seven years, Marx’s relentless contributions have finally been rewarded. He has been an integral part of a dominant Springboks squad, starting 11 Tests in 2025 alone and scoring four tries in the Rugby Championship, including a crucial brace against Argentina at Twickenham.
Marx’s monumental efforts have helped the Springboks secure back-to-back titles and solidify their status as the leading team in world rugby. “He’s not just a hooker; he’s a game-changer,” said South African coach Rassie Erasmus.
“Malcolm has been simply outstanding. His work rate and impact on games have been exceptional, and he deserves this recognition.”
Rassie Erasmus, Springboks Coach
Fabian Holland: World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
The All Blacks’ Fabian Holland has been named the breakthrough player of the year. The modest Dutch-born lock has swiftly established himself as an irreplaceable part of New Zealand’s lineout, featuring in 11 of their 12 international games in 2025. Holland is only the second lock to receive this award, following Maro Itoje in 2016.
“I’m just a middle part in a world-class lineout set-up. I only have to jump and catch,” said Holland, but his impact extends far beyond his aerial skills. His tireless work rate and unyielding physicality have made him an early favorite for the All Blacks’ starting lineup.
Santiago Pedrero: International Rugby Players Association Men’s 15s Try of the Year
🇨🇱 Santiago Pedrero vs. Samoa. pic.twitter.com/5unPJGRgXG
— ScrumRugby (@ScrumESPN) November 18, 2025
Chile’s Santiago Pedrero was awarded the Try of the Year for his sublime team effort against Samoa in the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifier. A mesmerizing sequence of offloads and deft passes culminated in Pedrero’s terrific finish, showcasing the best of international teamwork.
World Rugby Dream Team of the Year: Coming Soon!
The highly anticipated World Rugby Dream Team will be unveiled on Tuesday, 25 November, highlighting the standout stars from across the rugby world.
Did You Know?
- The Springboks have won their last 15 tests, a record for any Tier 1 nation.
- Fabian Holland is the sixth All Black to win the Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
- The Chile vs. Samoa try was the first Men’s Rugby World Cup qualifier to feature in a World Rugby award.
Are there any other awards you’re excited to see announced? Let us know in the comments!
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