Is Marx really the best?

Let me start by saying Malcolm Marx is a brilliant rugby player and, in my opinion, currently the best hooker in the world.

- with Nicholas Zaal

Seeing the Springboks celebrate his World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award fills one with pride for the player, team and country.

Marx became the fourth South African to receive the honour after Schalk Burger (2004), Bryan Habana (2007) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (2023 and 2024).

He beat out Bok teammates Du Toit and Ox Nché - the first prop ever nominated - and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

But was he really the best this year? Marx, 31, earned his second nomination after 2018, having enjoyed an outstanding year for the Springboks.