the nominations for the 2025 world Rugby men’s Player of the Year have been announced as a prop is recognised for the first time
The nominees for World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year and Breakthrough Player of the Year have been announced.
The winners will be confirmed on Saturday 22 November,alongside the men’s coach of the year and try of the year.
World Rugby will also announced its Dream Team of the Year on the 25 November.
The women’s awards have already been announced. All three of those categories were named after the Rugby World Cup final back in September.
Canada’s Sophie de Goede won Player of the Year, England’s John Mitchell collected Coach of the Year and New Zealand’s Braxton Sorensen-McGee was named Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Read more: Who was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2024?
But who has been nominated? Below is all the facts you need.
World Rugby 15s Player of the Year
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this year three South African have been nominated, alongside one Frenchman. the wing Louis Bielle-biarrey is nominated because of his electric pace and try-scoring ability. He was at his barnstorming best during the Six Nations and he won player of the Tournament for his efforts which helped France win the trophy.
Simultaneously occurring, for south Africa two-time winner Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche have been named. Du Toit is as consistent of a world class player as you could get, while Marx and Nche are part of the formidable Springboks scrum which is world renowned.
All three players aided South Africa to the Rugby Championship crown and the campaign included the Springboks’ biggest-ever win against the All Blacks.
Read more: Rugby Championship results
The Springboks have also won all three of their Autumn Nations Series fixtures so far.
If Nche wins the award, he would become the first prop ever to win the accolade.
Previous World Rugby Player of the Year winners
* Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa, 2024)
* Ardie Savea (New Zealand, 2023)
* Josh van der Flier (Ireland, 2022)
* Antoine Dupont (France, 2021)
* Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa, 2019)
* Johnny Sexton (Ireland, 2018)
* Beauden Barrett (New Zealand, 2017)
* Beauden Barrett (New Zealand, 2016)
* Dan Carter (New Zealand, 2015)
* Brodie Retallick (New Zealand, 2014)
* Kieran Read (New Zealand, 2013)
* Dan Carter (New Zealand, 2012)
* Thierry Dusautoir (France, 2011)
* Richie McCaw (New Zealand, 2010)
* Richie McCaw (New Zealand, 2009)
* Shane Williams (wales, 2008)
* Bryan Habana (South Africa, 2007)
* Richie McCaw (New Zealand, 2006)
* Dan Carter (New Zealand, 2005)
* Schalk Burger (South Africa, 2004)
* Jonny Wilkinson (England, 2003)
* Fabian Galthie (France, 2002)
* Keith Wood (Ireland, 2001)
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year
There is a widespread of
Rugby World Awards Nominations: Holland for Breakthrough Player, and Four Tries in the Running
Here’s a look at the nominations for the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) awards, as highlighted by Rugby World magazine.
IRPA Breakthrough Player of the Year
New Zealand lock Fabian Holland has been nominated for the breakthrough Player of the Year award. he made his debut for the All Blacks in June, and the description on the All Blacks website – “Holland’s blend of power, precision, and relentless drive marks him as one of New Zealand rugby’s brightest long-term prospects in the second row” – perfectly encapsulates why he’s in contention for the award.
IRPA Try of the Year
World Rugby has narrowed down the contenders for Try of the Year to four impressive scores:
* santiago Cordero (Argentina): His try against the British & Irish Lions in June was not only skillfully executed but also contributed to Argentina’s historic first victory over the Lions.
* Santiago Pedrero (Chile): Pedrero’s try against samoa in a Rugby World Cup qualifier in September helped Chile secure a 32-32 draw, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the tournament.
* Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji): Tagitagivalu’s breathtaking try against Australia in July is also a nominee.
* Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand): Vaa’i’s try against France in July completes the shortlist.
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