World Rugby Awards 2025 Men’s Nominees – Winners To Be Confirmed on 22 November

The nominees for the World Rugby Men’s Awards 2025 have been released, and as expected, caused some strong fan reactions, as three South Africans and one French player are in contention for Men’s 15s Player of the Year.

The recipients of the World Rugby Awards 2025 men’s categories will be revealed across World Rugby’s digital platforms on Saturday, 22 November

There are men’s shortlists for three 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 for 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, confirmed by World Rugby.

World Rugby Dream Team of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, 25 November, showcasing the standout performers from across the rugby world.

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.”

International Rugby Players Association Men’s 15s Try of the Year 2025

Fans will determine the Men’s 15s Try of the Year as the winner will be based on votes 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 2025

The four nominees for the Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year are:

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

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year 2025

The Men’s 15s Player of the Year nominees are:

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

Two of the four nominees play their rugby in Japan Rugby League One – Marx with Kubota Spears and du Toit with Toyota Verblitz.

The current Men’s Player of the Year is Pieter-Steph du Toit, who has been nominated again in 2025, and he could become the third player to be recognised for a third time, having previously won the accolade in 2019. Dan Carter and Richie McCaw have both won it three times as well.

Ox Nche became the first ever prop to be nominated on the shortlist.

World Rugby Awards

• Dan Carter Presented the International Rugby Players Association Special Merit Award.
• Hollie Davidson Wins 2025 World Rugby Referee Award.
• Women’s 15s Player of the Year and the Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year Nominees.
• World Rugby Awards 2024 Winners Crowned.