Stars Shine Bright at Glittering SA Rugby Awards Evening

South African rugby’s brightest stars gathered for a dazzling evening of celebration as the sport honoured its finest performers at the prestigious SA Rugby Awards.

The night sparkled with glamour, pride and reflection on what many regard as one of the most remarkable years in the history of the game in South Africa. At the centre of the celebrations stood Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, whose extraordinary season was crowned when he was named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year.

The accolade capped a phenomenal campaign for Marx, who had already been recognised globally as World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year. It marked the second time he has claimed South Africa’s top individual honour, adding another milestone to a career that continues to inspire.

Marx edged out a stellar group of finalists including Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ox Nche and Jasper Wiese.

Celebrating excellence across the game

The evening also celebrated the continued rise of women’s rugby, with Nadine Roos once again proving her brilliance by securing the SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season.

Roos enjoyed a standout year in which the Springbok Women reached the Rugby World Cup play offs for the first time, underlining the rapid growth of the women’s game in South Africa. She added further shine to her night by also being named Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year.

Rising stars were equally celebrated, with dynamic Sharks back Ethan Hooker earning the SA Rugby Young Men’s Player of the Year award after an impressive breakthrough season.

Meanwhile, the inaugural SA Rugby Young Women’s Player of the Year honour went to dual international Byrhandré Dolf, marking an exciting moment for the next generation of talent.

A golden year for the Springboks

The evening also recognised the dominance of the national team, as the South Africa national rugby union team were named Team of the Year following a commanding campaign in which they won 11 of their 13 Tests and successfully defended the Rugby Championship title.

Their mastermind, head coach Rassie Erasmus, was honoured as Coach of the Year after guiding the Springboks through another remarkable season.

Leadership and legacy recognised

The ceremony also paid tribute to figures who have shaped South African rugby on and off the field.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi received the Spirit of ’95 Award for his inspirational leadership and his role in uplifting both the sport and the nation.

Erasmus was further honoured with the Springbok Legacy Award, recognising his significant contribution to the growth and success of the national team.

Meanwhile, Springbok Women’s legend Nolusindiso Booi was celebrated after becoming the first player in the history of the women’s national team to reach 50 Test caps.

A year to remember

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander described the year as one that will remain etched in the country’s sporting memory.

“Malcolm led the charge for the Springboks and richly deserves this accolade alongside his World Rugby Player of the Year Award,” Alexander said.

“Nadine was the spark that ignited the finest season we have ever witnessed from our Springbok Women.”

He added that 2025 had been a landmark year for the sport across all levels.

“The year will remain etched in our memories for decades to come. It was not only the senior team that shone. Every one of our national sides delivered and we are immensely proud of all the winners.”

Celebrating success across South African rugby

Other notable winners included Blitzbok star Shilton van Wyk as Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year and promising youngster Haashim Pead as Junior Springbok Player of the Year.

Domestic rugby was also celebrated, with Donavan Don named Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year, while Andrew Kota claimed the First Division honour.

The evening ultimately served as a powerful reminder of the depth, talent and passion that continues to define South African rugby.

With established stars shining and a new generation rising, the future of the game looks as bright as the glittering stage on which its heroes were celebrated.

SA Rugby Awards 2025 winners and finalists (where applicable):

SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year: Malcolm Marx

Finalists: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ox Nche, Jasper Wiese

SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year: Nadine Roos

Finalists: Byrhandré Dolf, Aseza Hele, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Babalwa Latsha

SA Rugby Young Men’s Player of the Year: Ethan Hooker

Finalists: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie, Haashim Pead, Zachary Porthen

SA Rugby Young Women’s Player of the Year: Byrhandré Dolf

Finalists: Patience Mokone, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Anushka Groenewald

Springbok Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Shilton van Wyk

Finalists: Selvyn Davids, Impi Visser

Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Nadine Roos

Junior Springbok Player of the Year: Haashim Pead

Finalists: Cheswill Jooste, Riley Norton

Team of the Year: Springboks

Finalists: Junior Springboks, Springbok Sevens

Coach of the Year: Rassie Erasmus (Springboks)

Finalists: Swys de Bruin (Springbok Women), Kevin Foote (Junior Springboks), Philip Snyman (Springbok Sevens)

FNB Fans’ Moment of the Year: The Springboks’ record victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand

Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year: Donavan Don (Sanlam Boland Kavaliers)

Finalists: Gurshwin Wehr (Suzuki Griquas), George Whitehead (Suzuki Griquas)

Carling Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year: Andrew Kota (NovaVit Griffons)

Finalists: Keagan Fortune (Valke), Willem van den Hever (NovaVit Griffons)

Provincial Women’s Player of the Year: Patience Mokone (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)

SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season (announced last year): Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers)

OUTsurance Referee of the Year: Aimee Barrett-Theron

President’s Award: Gavin Varejes

Spirit of ’95 Award: Siya Kolisi

Springbok Legacy Award: Rassie Erasmus

SA Rugby Associate Member of the Year: SA Wheelchair Rugby