All Blacks lock Fabian Holland World Rugby’s breakthrough player, Springbok Malcolm Marx wins player of the year

Fabian Holland of New Zealand is lifted during a line-out during the win over Wales. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has capped off a remarkable debut season with the All Blacks by being named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year for 2025.

Holland made his All Blacks debut in July 2025 against France, starting in the test match and playing a full 80 minutes, making 16 tackles – the most of the team – and hitting 40 rucks.

The 23-year-old, Dutch-born lock went on to play the full 80 minutes in each of the next two Tests against France and has featured in every Test this year except against England when he was ruled out with illness just prior to the match.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said the award was fitting recognition for one of New Zealand rugby’s most promising young talents.

“Fabian’s story is like something out of a movie. He has grown up in the Netherlands dreaming of playing for a team on the other side of the world, taken the brave move to shift to New Zealand at the age of 16, and then made his dream a reality.

“None of this is by chance or luck, Fabian works incredibly hard to meet his goals and is one of the most determined and focused players I have come across. It is that work ethic that will see him continue to succeed.

“We are just so proud of him and so pleased for him and his family to receive this special acknowledgement of what he has achieved this year.”

Holland’s award is the second time a New Zealand player has been named breakthrough player of the year in 2025, with Braxton Sorenson-McGee earning the same award for Women’s 15s following the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September.

Marx crowed World Rugby player of the year

South African hooker Malcolm Marx was named World Rugby player of the year, crowning an impressive season from the Springbok.

Marx has played 11 tests for the Rugby World Cup holders in 2025, including Sunday’s 24-13 victory over Ireland in Dublin, which ended their 13-year wait for a win in the Irish capital.

The 31-year-old has been a crucial part of the Boks’ dominant pack, scoring five tries in a campaign which included defending their Rugby Championship crown.

Marx beat two international team-mates, last year’s winner Pieter-Steph du Toit and prop Ox Nche, as well as France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey to the award.

The women’s awards were announced after the World Cup in September with Canada’s goal-kicking lock Sophie de Goede claiming the main prize, having taken her side to the final before losing to hosts England.

- With AFP