MALCOLM MARX NAMED WORLD RUGBY’S BEST

Malcolm Marx has capped off a remarkable season by being named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, becoming the latest Springbok to claim the sport’s most prestigious individual award.

The powerhouse hooker has long been regarded as one of the world’s most complete forwards, but this year’s accolade finally puts an official stamp on the influence he’s had across the global game.

Marx edged out two of his own teammates, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, along with French rising star Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

The clean sweep of South Africans in the nomination list already showed how dominant the Springboks have been, but Marx’s win pushes that dominance even further. In doing so, he joins an elite group of Bok legends, becoming only the fourth South African to ever take home the award.

What makes the achievement even more impressive is his position. Front-rowers rarely get the spotlight, and Marx is the first hooker since Keith Wood back in 2001 to win the honour.

His season explains why: He started consistently, crashed over for tries when the Boks needed a spark, and delivered trademark breakdown steals that turned matches on their head. Coaches and teammates have praised not just his physicality but his relentless work ethic and leadership.

For South Africa, the award is another reminder of the strength of their forward pack, and for Marx, it’s a moment that confirms what fans have been saying for years: He isn’t just one of the best hookers in the world; he’s one of the best players.

Image credit: France24