Malcolm Marx credits Springbok teammates after being crowned world's best

Marx, 31, immediately credited his teammates and coaches, emphasizing that the honor reflected the collective effort of the Springboks rather than his individual achievements.

"I don't think it has really sunk in, to be honest," Marx said at a post-match press conference following South Africa's 24-13 win over Ireland. "None of this is achieved without the team environment that we have. We are a tight group, and things like this happen due to the group that we have. So in my opinion, this isn't an individual reward; it's more of a team reward. So it's not just for me, it's for South Africa."

Marx was named player of the match in South Africa's first win away to Ireland in 13 years, which featured a dominant scrum and lineout performance. Reflecting on the physicality of the match, he said, "As you can tell from the way I look, it was bruising. It's always hard against Ireland; they're a quality side, and we knew it would go to the end. We needed to show character, and we did it. It was a tough game, but we are really proud of the win."

Despite the award, Marx stressed the importance of the team's contribution. "We had some success with the scrums, but in the second half, we weren't as successful as we would have liked. But we will take it. We know what a quality side they are and what a quality pack they have. I thought they did extremely well in the second half when they held us out. They are a quality side, and they showed it, even with 12 guys on the field," he said.

Marx's career has been marked by resilience. He missed most of the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a knee injury, playing only 52 minutes in South Africa's opening-round win over Scotland. "Watching from home wasn't the greatest experience, but I am not the first and won't be the last guy who will have an injury like that," he said. "Just watching the team play well gave me a bit of drive to get back on the field and contribute as much as I can when I do get the opportunity."

Marx edged out teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, as well as France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey, to claim the award. He joins du Toit (2019 & 2024), Bryan Habana (2007), and Schalk Burger (2004) as South African recipients.

READ MORE: Bok star Malcolm Marx crowned World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year