By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Six Springbok rugby players have been included in the World Rugby’s Dream Team of 2025, SA Rugby confirmed.
This follows the news at the weekend that hooker Malcolm Marx was announced Player of the year.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said the Dream Team recognition underscored the Springboks’ sustained excellence in 2024 and 2025.
“I’d like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Malcolm, Pieter-Steph, Ox, Thomas, Sacha and Cheslin on behalf of SA Rugby and the entire country, “said Alexander.
“Being named in this team is a massive achievement, especially since it consists of the best players throughout the world. To see six Springboks included is a testament to the quality of players we have in South Africa.”
The Dream Team nods come at the end of another dominant Springbok season, which saw Rassie Erasmus’ side retain the Rugby Championship, the Freedom Cup, and the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, while sweeping their year-end tour so far, beating Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.
The Boks remain No 1 in the world heading into their final Test of the year against Wales in Cardiff.
Alexander praised the squad and coaching team for sustaining world-leading standards.
“The Springboks are a true symbol of what we can achieve as a country and as a team when everyone works together. It is a brotherhood more than anything else.”
2025 Dream Team – 15 Will Jordan (NZ), 14 Cheslin Kolbe (SA), 13 Huw Jones (SCO), 12 Len Ikitau (AUS), 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (FRA), 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (SA), 9 Cam Roigard (NZ), 8 Harry Wilson (AUS), 7 Tom Curry (ENG), 6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (SA), 5 Tadhg Beirne (IRE), 4 Maro Itoje (ENG), 3 Thomas du Toit (SA), 2 Malcolm Marx (SA), 1 Ox Nche (SA).