Humble Ox Nche attributes World Player of the Year nomination to Bok pack

Nche was pipped by Bok teammate Malcom Marx for the prestigious accolade, but as the first-ever prop to be nominated in the awards' 25-year history, he can certainly be proud.

The loosehead had his season cut short with a knee injury in the match against Japan and is currently recovering in Durban. The 30-year-old took a moment to chat to the Sharks website in the wake of the nomination.

"To be nominated, I'm privileged to be in a great team, to be honest," said the revered scrummager.

"That's all I can say in regards to my nomination. It's a testament to the team. Come scrum time, I can't scrum alone. I need the whole pack, I need everyone to buy in.

"I think every single player in the world aspires to be recognised as one of the best in the world and when it actually happens, you can't believe it. You get a bit emotional.

"You think of all the hours that you put in, all the work, all the sacrifices you have to go through."

However, Nche was included in World Rugby's Team of the Year, along with Marx, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cheslin Kolbe. 

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