Rugby
Marx and Roos named SA Rugby Players of the Year─── MORGAN PIEK 07:45 Fri, 06 Mar 2026
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx added another major honour when he was named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year for 2025, while Nadine Roos continued her dominance in the women’s game by claiming the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the the Year.
The accolades were presented during the annual SA Rugby Awards ceremony on Thursday, where South Africa’s top performers from the 2025 season were celebrated. Marx’s recognition capped a stellar campaign for both club and country.
The influential Springbok forward had already been crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year late in 2025 and now adds South Africa’s top individual honour to his collection. The 2017 winner of the same award edged a strong list of contenders that included Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ox Nché, and Jasper Wiese.
Meanwhile, Roos again proved her value across multiple game formats by winning the title the second year in a row, and the third time overall. The dynamic playmaker was a driving force behind a breakthrough season for the South Africa women's national rugby union team, which reached the Rugby World Cup playoffs for the first time. Her impressive performances also earned her the title of Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year.
Nadine Roos. Photo: SA Rugby
The evening also celebrated the continued excellence of the South African national rugby union team under head coach Rassie Erasmus. The Springboks were named Team of the Year after winning 11 of their 13 tests and successfully defending the Rugby Championship title. Erasmus was rewarded with the Coach of the Year accolade.
The Sharks centre Ethan Hooker was named SA Rugby Young Men’s Player of the Year, highlighting his growing reputation as one of the country’s most promising talents.
Dual international Byrhandré Dolf was honoured as the inaugural SA Rugby Young Women’s Player of the Year, one of two new awards introduced as part of a growing recognition of women’s rugby.
Rassie Erasmus. Photo: Morgan Piek
South African rugby enjoyed success across multiple national teams in 2025. The South African national u.20 rugby union team reclaimed the World Rugby Under 20 Championship title for the first time since 2012, while the Blitzboks lifted the Sevens World Championship crown.
Blitzboks speedster Shilton van Wyk was named Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year, while Junior Springbok standout Haashim Pead took home the Junior Springbok Player of the Year award.
Several players from the domestic competitions were also recognised for their performances during the past season. Donavan Don of the Boland Cavaliers was named Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year, while Andrew Kota from the Griffons received the First Division Player of the Year award.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Photo: Morgan Piek
In the women’s provincial game, Patience Mokone of the Bulls Daisies was named Provincial Women’s Player of the Year.
Stormers fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu had already been confirmed earlier as the SA United Rugby Championship Player of the Season.
Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron claimed the Referee of the Year award for the fourth time after another strong season that included officiating the opening match and a semi-final at the Women's Rugby World Cup.
