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Three Springboks Nominated for World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year

The nominees have been unveiled for the World Rugby Awards 2025, recognising the players and moments that have defined the sport over the past calendar year.
The nominees have been unveiled for the World Rugby Awards 2025, recognising the players and moments that have defined the sport over the past calendar year.
With the women’s categories already awarded at the end of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in September, this year’s men’s shortlist spans three headline categories: International Rugby Players Association Try of the Year, World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, and Player of the Year.

 

Each nominee has been voted by the World Rugby Awards panel, comprised of former legends of the game, Jacques Burger, Fiona Coghlan, Victor Matfield, Drew Mitchell, Ugo Monye, Sergio Parisse, Kieran Read and Blaine Scully, ensuring that the highest accolades in the sport are a peer recognition reflecting of both excellence on the field and inspiration off it.

The recipients of the World Rugby Awards 2025 men’s categories will be revealed across World Rugby’s digital platforms on Saturday, 22 November, ensuring fans everywhere can share in the excitement. In addition, the highly anticipated World Rugby Dream Team of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, 25 November, showcasing the standout performers from across the rugby world.

International Rugby Players Association Men’s 15s Try of the Year

Fans around the world will once again play a decisive role in celebrating the most spectacular score of the season. The winner will be the most popular try as voted by fans on World Rugby and RugbyPass Instagram channels (voting closes on Thursday, 20 November).

  • Santiago Cordero (Argentina, v British and Irish Lions – June)
  • Santiago Pedrero (Chile, v Samoa, South America/Pacific Play-off, RWC 2027 qualifier – October)
  • Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji, v Australia, men’s international – July)
  • Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand, v France, men’s international – July)

World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year

Recognising emerging talents who have made a significant impact on the international stage in 2025.

  • Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
  • Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
  • Henry Pollock (England)
  • Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year

Celebrating the individual who has consistently delivered world‑class performances and inspired fans across the globe.

  • Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
  • Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
  • Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
  • Ox Nche (South Africa)

World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson said: “The World Rugby Awards represent a celebration of the very best our sport has to offer. From breathtaking tries to breakthrough talents and inspirational leaders, this year’s nominees have shone brightly on the global stage in 2025, truly embodying the values and spirit of rugby. On behalf of World Rugby, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each nominee for their remarkable contributions and achievements over the past year.

“Following the recognition of our women’s stars in September, I now look forward with great anticipation to announcing the winners and unveiling the Dream Team of the Year later this month, as we bring the year to a fitting and memorable close.”

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  1. Dan Carter, a former All Blacks fly-half, is regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby history. He is the highest point scorer in test rugby, with 1,598 points, and has won the World Rugby Player of the Year award twice (2005 and 2012).

  2. Sport Trivia: Ghana first competed in 1952 when the country was still known as Gold Coast. Where were the Olympics held in 1952? Answer: Helsinki – The Olympics were originally scheduled to be held in Helsinki, Finland, in 1940, but were cancelled due to the Second World War. The athletes from the Gold Coast competed in five events, but didn\’t win any medals at their Olympic debut.