Kriel: Marx Deserves World Player Of The Year Award

Rugby World Cup Champions South Africa have grown used to regular silverware and accomplishments. It’s embedded in the DNA of the team.

This weekend, however, they celebrated an accomplishment of a different sort, one that recognized the exceptional efforts of an individual – Malcolm Marx.

Marx became the new World Rugby Player of the Year – beating fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Pieter-Steph du Toit to the award, as well as France’s Louis Bielle Biarrey. 

Marx, who was also nominated for the award in 2018, joins Schalk Burger, Bryan Habana, and Pieter-Steph du Toit as the only South Africans to win the prestigious award. 

Reflecting on the moment Marx’s name was announced, teammate Jesse Kriel expressed just how much the honour means to them.

“You could see the reaction when he won the award,” Kriel said. “He is one of the most humble people I have ever played rugby with. He’s an extremely hard worker – very talented, very humble, and a great teammate. He always puts the team first. He’s had an unbelievable year and really deserves the award.”

Kriel went on to divulge the ethos within the team, and despite all that has been achieved recently, a win in Dublin continued to elude them until Saturday night. 

“It’s special,” the veteran centre continued. “The great thing about this team is that we don’t dwell on the past or the things we have achieved. It’s about the next training session, pitching up, and getting the job done. We have a Test match next week.”

Despite their accomplishments, the team remains grounded, emphasising that success is never the result of players alone. Kriel paid tribute and extended his gratitude beyond the field to those whose work often goes unnoticed.

“We’re proud of the team, proud of the work the coaches put in every day, the medical staff, the guys on the field. It’s a combined effort, and it’s not just the guys on the field – huge credit to everyone off the field for their unseen efforts.”

The Springboks have had a flawless tour so far – going unbeaten. As the team prepares for their final international fixture of the season, they will want to continue their run and end on a high.