Malcolm Marx’s redemption: From horror World Cup agony to Player of the Year contender

Watching the 2023 World Cup final from home with a knee injury lit a fire under Malcolm Marx, inspiring him to return to his best for the Springboks — and he’s repaid that motivation in full.

His blistering form in 2025 has now earned him a nomination for the World Rugby Player of the Year award. Yet he insists the recognition is a reflection of the team’s effort and success, saying he’s simply fortunate to be in this position thanks to those around him.

Marx, reigning title holder Pieter-Steph du Toit, fellow front-row powerhouse Ox Nché and French sensation Louis Bielle-Biarrey make up the four-man shortlist — a selection that promises a tough call for the judges.

The hooker has “shot the lights out” for the world champions all season and firmly re-established himself as the Boks’ premier No 2 heading into their 2027 Rugby World Cup title defence in Australia.

“It is a huge honour and privilege to be nominated,” said Marx, earning a second nomination after first doing so in 2018.

“Obviously, none of this is achieved without the team and how well the team has done throughout the year. However, there are still some games left that we want to perform in. So, the focus is all on that,” he added ahead of yesterday’s epic clash against Ireland.

“Watching the guys win the World Cup from home was not the greatest experience when I was injured, but I am not the first or last guy that will have an injury like that, especially in a World Cup setting.

"But the team did unbelievably well. It gave me the inspiration to get back on the field and contribute as much as I could whenever I got the opportunity.”

While he was part of the Bomb Squad during the World Cup and prior to that tournament, Marx is head and shoulders above the chasing hookers in the Bok squad at the moment. When he is rested, the team misses his accuracy at the breakdown, his communication with the locks at line-out, his steering of the rolling mauls and his fieriness on defence.

The 31-year-old has fully embraced the role of starting for the Boks and laying the foundation that allows the new hookers on the block to slot in seamlessly when they take the field.

He added that he didn’t have to change his mindset when he took up the role of starting hooker — it’s all about contributing to the team, whatever his job description is on a weekend.

“Being part of the Bomb Squad was really special, but starting too. Playing for South Africa is special, whether I am starting or not. Being in this awesome environment is really good. It is nice to play a little bit more and to contribute more.

“I would say the low point was having that knee injury and being taken out of the World Cup. But then getting selected and playing for your country is a great honour. I will never forget my first game and how special that was.

“There are a lot of things that make this group special, and you can’t pinpoint one thing. It is more of a family environment…”