PSdT, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Ethan Hooker nominated for World Rugby Awards

Du Toit, Marx, and Nche are contenders for the World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year, while Hooker is among four nominees for the World Rugby Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. The winners will be revealed on Saturday, 22 November.

Du Toit, who became the first South African to win the Men's 15s Player of the Year twice - claiming the title in 2019 and again last year - is once again up for the award alongside Marx, Nche, and France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

This marks the second time Marx has been nominated, having first been recognized in 2018.

Hooker's Breakthrough Player of the Year nomination sees him competing with New Zealand's Fabian Holland, England's Henry Pollock, and Australia's Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander congratulated the quartet on their nominations, praising their achievements and contributions to South African rugby.

"I'd like to congratulate Pieter-Steph, Malcolm, Ox and Ethan for being recognised among the best players in the world," said Alexander.

"To have three of the four nominees for Men's 15s Player of the Year from South Africa, as well as Ethan in the Breakthrough category, is a testament to the quality of our players on the global stage.

"They have all performed exceptionally well this season and deserve this recognition. On behalf of SA Rugby and the entire country, I want to express how proud we are of them.

"We wish them well ahead of Saturday's announcement. Regardless of the outcome, being nominated is already a remarkable achievement."

Apart from Du Toit, only two other South Africans have walked away with Player of the Year honours: Schalk Burger in 2004, and Bryan Habana in 2007.

Other South Africans who have received nominations for the award in the last 11 years are Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (both in 2014), Faf de Klerk (2018), and Lukhanyo Am (in 2022).

World Rugby will also announce its Dream Team of the Year on Tuesday, 25 November. 

READ MORE: Boks set to maintain top spot in world rankings regardless of this weekend's results