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the 2025 rugby season could very well be defined by the electrifying performances of Louis Bielle-Biarrey.Already recognized as the best player of the recent Six Nations tournament and the top French international at the annual Rugby Night awards, the dynamic winger for the French national team (XV of France) and Union Bordeaux-Bègles has been named a finalist for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award for 2025.The international governing body announced the finalists on Tuesday, highlighting Bielle-Biarrey’s extraordinary year on the global stage.
Bielle-Biarrey, who equaled the record for the most tries scored in a single six Nations edition during France’s accomplished campaign earlier this year, faces stiff competition from three formidable South African forwards. The finalists include Pieter-Steph du Toit,a two-time winner of the award,including in 2024; hooker Malcolm Marx; and prop ox Nche,who makes history as the first prop to reach the final shortlist. The winner will be revealed on November 22.
The Springboks, South Africa’s national team, had a dominant 2025 Rugby Championship, notably handing New Zealand its worst defeat in history with a resounding 43-10 victory on home soil. This team success undoubtedly bolsters the credentials of its nominated players.
Individual Brilliance in Focus
The World Rugby Player of the Year award, decided by a distinguished jury of eight former elite players, places a singular emphasis on performances in international matches. This means that club achievements, while meaningful for players like Bielle-Biarrey who helped Union Bordeaux-Bègles win the champions Cup and reach the Top 14 final, do not factor into this specific accolade. This focus on the international arena ensures a level playing field for players competing across different domestic leagues.
In other categories, the race for the Breakthrough Player of the year is equally compelling. Nominees include New Zealander Fabian Holland, South African Ethan Hooker, Englishman Henry pollock, and Australian joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The Try of the Year award will see a spectacular collection of finishes vying for the title, featuring argentinian santiago Cordero, Chilean Santiago Pedrero, Fijian Lekima Tagitagivalu, and New Zealander Tupou Vaa’i, whose try against the XV of France in July was a standout moment.
On the women’s side, Canadian second row Sophie de Goede has been named the 2025 Women’s Player of the Year, following England’s victory over Canada in the World Cup. The Revelation of the Year award in the women’s category goes to Black fern Braxton Sorensen-McGee, recognizing her emergence as a significant talent.
What This Means for rugby Fans
The nominations for the World Rugby player of the Year award offer a fantastic snapshot of the sport’s current elite talent.for American rugby enthusiasts, the rise of players like Bielle-Biarrey, who showcase incredible speed, agility, and try-scoring prowess, provides compelling viewing and highlights the growing global appeal of rugby union. The inclusion of forwards like du Toit, Marx, and Nche underscores the enduring power and tactical sophistication of the South African pack, a style that has captivated audiences worldwide.
