Marx’s outstanding season was capped off with the sport’s highest individual accolade after being nominated for the prestigious award for the second time.

In another historic moment for South African rugby, two Boks have now won the award back-to-back for the first time in history.

Malcolm Marx. Photo: Morgan Piek

Marx’s team-mate and fellow nominee Pieter-Steph du Toit became the first South African to scoop the title for the second time last year. A third Springbok, Ox Nché, was also shortlisted for the award, along with Louis Bielle-Biarrey of France.

Marx, 31, has been a key figure for the Springboks in the lineouts, scrums, at the breakdown, and in general play this season.

Marx, who was also nominated for the award in 2018 and was the SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year in 2017, joined the exclusive list of only three other South Africans – Du Toit, Bryan Habana (2007), and Schalk Burger (2004) – to earn the accolade.

Marx said while he is thrilled to be recognised for his achievements on the field, rugby remains a team sport, and the honour is rooted in a collective effort.

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet – none of this is achieved without the environment we have, the management, the players, the tight-knit group.

“For me, this isn’t an individual award; it’s a team award. The support and structures we have to express ourselves are unbelievable.

“It’s not just for me, it’s for our team and for South Africa.”

What a season it's been for Malcolm Marx ??#ForeverGreenForeverGold #IREvRSA pic.twitter.com/skeHl5w7GW

— Springboks (@Springboks) November 22, 2025

Marx was also hugely instrumental in the Springboks’ 24-13 victory against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday as they broke their 13-year-old hoodoo in the Fair City. While the Boks dominated the scrums against a very strong Irish side, Marx said this was another example of how teamwork drives success on the field.

“It was a tough game, and having that many scrums isn’t great on the neck, but they’re a quality side with a quality pack. 

“We knew it would be tough, so we had to grind it out and apply as much pressure as we could to get reward.”

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“They did extremely well in the second half to hold us out, and tonight they showed their quality even with 12 men on the field.”

The Boks’ attention now turns to Wales as they wrap up their gruelling End-of-Year tour on Saturday against the Welsh in Cardiff.

Saturday’s Test at the Millennium Stadium kicks off at 17:10.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport