Malcolm Marx Says His World Rugby Title Belongs To South Africa

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has officially been named the best rugby player in the world, but if you ask him, the trophy doesn’t belong to him alone. After accepting the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award, Marx made it clear: this victory is stitched together with the work, sweat, and spirit of the entire Springbok camp.

A Win Bigger Than One Player

When Marx sat down at the post-match press conference after South Africa’s gritty 24-13 win over Ireland in Dublin, he looked almost overwhelmed by the moment. Not the bruises from the match, he joked, but the sheer size of the honour.

He told reporters he was still trying to process becoming the fourth South African in history to receive the award. But in typical Springbok fashion, he turned the spotlight straight back onto the team.

None of this happens without the group we have, he insisted. The tightness of the Springbok environment, on and off the field, made the accolade feel less like a personal trophy and more like a national achievement.

It’s for South Africa, he said. And many South Africans certainly took it that way.

Fans Celebrated The Honour Like A National Win

Across X (formerly Twitter), Springbok supporters lit up the platform with pride.
One fan wrote: Malcolm Marx winning is proof that South African rugby never stops producing giants.
Another posted a photo of Marx mid-scrum, captioned: This man is made of biltong and bravery.

Rugby lovers also praised his humility, noting how his first instinct was to credit the team rather than bask in the glory. For a country that values collective grit and honour, Marx’s response struck a chord.

A Fierce, Bruising Battle In Dublin

South Africa’s win over Ireland was already historic, marking the Boks’ first victory on Irish soil in 13 years. The match was a classic northern vs southern hemisphere clash: physical, tactical, and unrelenting.

Marx was at the heart of it, delivering a standout performance in the scrums and lineouts. But he was quick to highlight that Ireland didn’t make anything easy.

He praised the Irish pack for their resistance, especially in the second half, even when they were reduced to 12 men. That respect speaks volumes about Marx’s view of the game: no shortcuts, no entitlement, just hard work meeting hard work.

A Journey Marked By Resilience

This award hits differently when you remember what Marx endured two years ago. A knee injury in 2023 ruled him out of almost the entire Rugby World Cup, limiting him to just 52 minutes before spending the rest of the tournament watching from home.

For any athlete, being sidelined during a World Cup run would burn. But Marx used that pain to fuel his return. Watching the Boks triumph from the couch gave him fresh hunger to get back onto the field and contribute.

Now, in 2025, he stands at the top of world rugby. It’s a story many South Africans recognise: setback, grit, comeback.

Joining An Elite Springbok Club

By winning the award, Marx steps into legendary company alongside:

• Pieter-Steph du Toit (2019, 2024)

• Bryan Habana (2007)

• Schalk Burger (2004)

It’s a list that reads like a golden thread through modern Springbok history. And Marx, still only 31, now adds his name to that legacy.

Why This Win Matters For South African Rugby

This isn’t just a personal milestone or another trophy in the Springbok cabinet. It’s a reminder of South Africa’s enduring presence at the top of world rugby.

Marx beating two teammates, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, to the honour also shows something remarkable: the depth and excellence within the Bok system. South Africa isn’t just producing stars; it’s producing entire squads capable of world-class dominance.

Marx may insist the award belongs to South Africa, but South Africa is insisting right back: you earned this.

In a sport where character matters as much as strength, Malcolm Marx stands tall on both counts. And in 2025, the world finally recognised it.

{Source:SABC Sport}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com