South African hooker Malcolm Marx has been named the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year, becoming the fourth Springbok to receive the honor. The award recognizes his standout performances, including a key role in recent victories. It caps a remarkable year for Marx and South African rugby.
Malcolm Marx's recognition as the world's top rugby player culminates years of exceptional play for the Springboks. The hooker, known for his power in contact, lineout precision, and breakdown aggression, earned the 2025 World Player of the Year award after a dominant season.
The announcement came immediately after South Africa's 24-13 victory over Ireland in Dublin on November 24, 2025. During the match, Ireland's James Ryan received a red card for a high tackle on Marx at a ruck, highlighting the intensity Marx brings to the game. Marx had already secured a penalty earlier, and his presence disrupted the Irish defense, leading to their disciplinary issues.
Marx's impact traces back to his 11th Test in 2017 against New Zealand at Newlands. Despite a prior 57-0 loss, he made four turnovers, 15 tackles, carried 92 meters, scored a try, and assisted another in a narrow 25-24 defeat. The New Zealand Herald rated him 10/10, setting a benchmark for his career.
In 2025, Marx started 11 of 13 Tests, averaging 70 minutes per game despite past injuries, including a knee issue from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He was man of the match against Ireland. Former Springbok Victor Matfield presented the award on the pitch post-match.
Three South Africans were nominated: Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Ox Nche. Marx, previously nominated in 2018 and SA Rugby's 2017 Men's Player of the Year, joins Du Toit, Bryan Habana (2007), and Schalk Burger (2004) as recipients.
Humbly, Marx said, “I don’t think it’s really sunk in, to be honest. To be fair, none of this is achieved without the team environment we have... It’s not just for me, it’s for our team, it’s for South Africa.”
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander added, “His work ethic is simply unbelievable, and he embodies everything we value in a Springbok—resilience, commitment and character. This award is a fitting recognition of his contribution to our team and to the sport of rugby.”