EXCLUSIVE | Ox Nche humbled by historic World Rugby Player of the Year nomination

Ox Nche is still processing his nomination for the World Rugby Men's Player of the Year award.

Earlier this week, the burly Springbok was penned in on the shortlist for the prestigious honour, making history in the process by becoming the first prop to receive such recognition. Speaking as brand ambassador for The Braai Republic at their first franchise outlet at Northgate shopping centre in Johannesburg on Thursday, Nche could scarcely suppress his shock at announcement.

“I am still digesting it,” Nche said, with a chuckle. “I still can’t believe it … it’s overwhelming.

“I think every single player aspires to be recognised as one of the best players in the world, but once it happens, you can’t believe it. You do get a bit emotional.

“Even now, I’m getting goosebumps after thinking of all the hours put in, and the sacrifices I’ve had to go through to get to this point.”

Nche has been outstanding for the Boks in recent seasons, but has especially won plaudits for his uncompromising scrummaging, which has seen him dominate the opposition at the set-piece. This year alone, while packing down with his teammates, the Boks have won 34 of their 38 scrums – in no small part due to Nche's efforts.

His work-rate on and off the ball has also been impressive, especially on defence.

Moreover, Nche has been an integral part of the Boks’ World Cup defence in 2023 and their back-to-back Rugby Championship title triumphs. During last season’s United Rugby Championship – which will not be used by World Rugby as a metric for the award – he finished the campaign as the No 1 ranked player in the Top 100.

The 30-year-old was enjoying some fine form before injury curtailed his season earlier this month. His 2024 season, however, was undoubtedly the zenith of his career so far. Indeed, the debate regarding his inclusion in the World Rugby Awards frame was already a discussion point then.

His nomination has also amplified the discussion surrounding the importance of the scrum in recent years. World Rugby has sought to “improve’’ the set-piece with various law changes, with many pundits and commentators decrying an implied agenda to lessen the scrum’s impact.

Nche, however, sees those changes as necessary and believes they have challenged packs to be the best they can be.

“Even me, as a prop, I hate resets,” the loose-head said, of the scrum.

“Fans don’t want to see five resets in a row, and what World Rugby has tried to do is make it more efficient, so that officials can make the right calls and keep the game moving ...

“All World Rugby has done, is said, ‘guys, as props, we challenge you to improve, get better and grow in that department’. The quality of scrum we have now at international level is amazing. Every single team, on their day, can get you at the scrum.”

Nche shares the World Rugby Awards shortlist with teammates Malcolm Marx and current World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, alongside this year’s Six Nations Player of the Tournament Louis Bielle-Biarrey. And according to Nche, the inclusion of hooker Marx and loose-forward Du Toit speaks volumes regarding the team culture of the Boks under head coach Rassie Erasmus.

“It is a testament to the team,” said Nche, magnanimously. “Come scrum-time, I can’t scrum alone. I need a pack and I need everyone to buy in.

“Malcolm, we know the work he does off the ball, and he also scrums hard. He also throws in well at line-out time, so he has to have good locks.

“You have to have guys around you that you trust. The Bok squad we are in now, it’s an honour to be in, to be honest.”

As the Boks prepare for Ireland on Saturday (kick-off 7.40pm), Nche will watch from the comfort of home. Currently recuperating from knee and ankle injuries, Nche revealed he is targeting a return to action in January.