Overview
- Player of the Year nominees are Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France) and South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche, reflecting the Springboks’ dominant season.
- Pieter‑Steph du Toit, the 2019 and 2024 winner, is bidding to join Dan Carter and Richie McCaw as a three-time recipient, while Ox Nche becomes the first prop ever shortlisted.
- The Breakthrough Player shortlist features Fabian Holland (New Zealand), Ethan Hooker (South Africa), Henry Pollock (England) and Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii (Australia).
- World Rugby clarified Breakthrough eligibility after fan queries, stating it is limited to men’s 15s players within one year of their test debut and judged solely on international performances.
- The Try of the Year finalists are Santiago Cordero (Argentina), Santiago Pedrero (Chile), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji) and Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand), with the Dream Team to be unveiled on 25 November.