The final category of the World Rugby Awards 2025 has officially been announced, unveiling this year’s World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year. The recognition caps off an outstanding season of international rugby and builds excitement for a new chapter in 2026, when the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup and Nations Championship begin.
This year’s Dream Team reflects elite performances across the global stage, featuring seven nations and some of the biggest rising and established stars in the World Rugby Men’s 15s arena.
Chiefs Rugby first home pre-season 2026 against the Fijian Drua.
South Africa Dominate the 2025 Dream Team
South Africa once again showcased their global dominance with six Springboks selected in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team.
Leading the list is Malcolm Marx, crowned the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, following another incredible season for the world champions under Rassie Erasmus.

Marx anchors an all-South-African front row alongside:
Ox Nché
Thomas du Toit
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit also earns a back-row spot after a standout season.
Fly-half sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and world-class winger Cheslin Kolbe complete the Springbok selections.
Notably, Marx, Nché, Kolbe, and du Toit were also included in the 2024 Dream Team—highlighting their sustained excellence in World Rugby Men’s 15s competitions.
New Zealand Contribute Two Top Performers
New Zealand continue their strong presence in world rugby with two players named:
Will Jordan at full-back
Cam Roigard at scrum-half
Both delivered exceptional performances across international fixtures, helping the All Blacks secure key victories throughout the 2025 season.
Australia, England and Europe Represented
Three more nations contributed two players each to the Dream Team:
Australia
Len Ikitau (Centre)
Harry Wilson (Number eight)
England
Maro Itoje (Second-row)
Tom Curry (Flanker)
Europe’s Best
Three standout European talents secured their places:
Huw Jones (Scotland – Outside Centre)
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France – Wing)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland – Second-row)
Beirne becomes one of the few players named in the Dream Team for two consecutive years, reflecting his influence in European and global rugby.
Full World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2025
Ox Nché (South Africa)
Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
Thomas du Toit (South Africa)
Maro Itoje (England)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Tom Curry (England)
Harry Wilson (Australia)
Cam Roigard (New Zealand)
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
Len Ikitau (Australia)
Huw Jones (Scotland)
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Will Jordan (New Zealand)
World Rugby Awards 2025: Major Winners
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year: Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year: Sophie de Goede (Canada)
Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
World Rugby Coach of the Year: John Mitchell (England)
World Rugby Referee Award: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Special Merit Award: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Men’s 15s Try of the Year: Santiago Pedrero
Women’s 15s Try of the Year: Maia Joseph (New Zealand)
Rugby List
Mustafa Walsh is a dedicated rugby writer at All Blacks Nation, where he delivers in-depth coverage of international rugby, Super Rugby, and major global tournaments. With a strong focus on the New Zealand All Blacks, Southern Hemisphere rugby, and elite Test matches, Mustafa combines sharp analysis with clear, fan-friendly storytelling.
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