Ex-England stars on a campaign for Ox

Ox Nché’s meteoric rise from a reliable loosehead prop to a genuine contender for World Rugby Player of the Year has lit up the Springbok camp and set the South African fan base buzzing. The former England internationals Ben Youngy and Dan Cole, speaking on the “For The Love Of Rugby” podcast, have turned their attention to the Boks’ set‑piece engine, applauding the way Nché’s scrummaging, ball‑carrying and off‑the‑ball work helped South Africa clinch a 3‑1 series win in the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” showdown. For a nation that lives and breathes the physicality of the forward pack, Nché’s nomination is more than a personal accolade – it signals a shift in how the world perceives South African front‑row power.

From 52 Caps to Global Recognition

When Nché entered the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year shortlist, it was his 52nd cap for the Springboks that underscored the achievement. The nomination placed him alongside his teammates Pieter‑Steph du Toit and the eventual winner Malcolm Marx, marking a historic moment: Nché became the first prop ever to be shortlisted since the award’s inception in 2001. This breakthrough reflects both his individual consistency and the broader evolution of South African forwards, who have long been the backbone of the national side but rarely featured in individual awards that traditionally favoured backs and play‑makers.

The significance of a prop making the shortlist cannot be overstated. It challenges the long‑standing narrative that the front row is merely a platform for the backs to shine. By breaking that barrier, Nché has opened the door for future Springbok front‑rowers to be judged on the same scale as the flashier positions, reinforcing the message that a solid set‑piece is as thrilling as a try‑scoring wing.

Ben Youngs’ Praise: The Prop Who Does It All

England scrum‑half Ben Youngs, a veteran of the Six Nations, gave Nché a glowing endorsement on the podcast. He highlighted the prop’s “set‑piece and off‑the‑ball work” that underpinned South Africa’s 3‑1 series triumph. Youngs noted that Nché’s contributions went far beyond the traditional duties of a loosehead, listing a litany of actions: “carrying, scrummaging, mauling, tackling, counter‑rucking, hitting rucks, carrying – I’ve probably already said carrying.” The repetition of “carrying” was not a slip of the tongue but a deliberate emphasis on how Nché repeatedly takes the ball into contact, a trait that has become a hallmark of his game.

Youngs also pointed out a surprising skill set for a prop: a deft pass to the scrum‑half. “I think he did another pass at nine again; I’m pretty sure he did a lovely little pass again. No nine, no problems – Ox has got you.” This observation underscores Nché’s versatility, showing that he can relieve pressure on the scrum‑half by delivering clean ball from the breakdown, a nuance that can keep a team’s tempo fluid and unpredictable.

Dan Cole’s Tactical Take: Nché in the Boks’ System

Former England forward Dan Cole offered a more tactical perspective, focusing on how Nché fits into the broader pattern that propelled South Africa to a 43‑28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore. Cole praised the “tempo they play with – you’ve got Ox, you’ve got your loosehead moving the ball. They’re not stagnant and waiting for a nine.” By integrating a prop who can handle the ball and join the attack, the Boks have added a new dimension to their forward play, making the side less predictable and more dynamic.

Beyond the tempo, Cole highlighted the Springboks’ dominance at the breakdown. He noted that New Zealand “couldn’t really touch the Boks at the breakdown,” which forced the All Blacks to watch the ball roll away as the Boks cleared it cleanly. This breakdown superiority created “lots of breaks around the fringes,” a direct result of the Boks’ ability to win and recycle possession quickly. Cole warned that any nation hoping to challenge South Africa will need to improve its own breakdown work, whether by “jackaling” or simply matching the physicality of the collisions.

The Breakdown Battle: Why It Matters for SA Rugby

The breakdown has become the new battlefield in modern rugby, and South Africa’s mastery of it was on full display in the recent series. As Cole observed, the Boks’ “clean” breakdown work meant that opponents were forced to either accept the loss of possession or risk heavy collisions that could lead to penalties. This approach aligns with the Springboks’ traditional emphasis on forward dominance, but it also reflects a modern twist: using the breakdown as a platform for rapid ball recycling and attacking momentum.

For South African rugby development, this emphasis on breakdown excellence offers a template for grassroots coaching. Young players in provincial academies are now being taught not just to secure their own ball but to contest aggressively, mirroring the high‑intensity style that propelled the Springboks to victory. The ripple effect could see a new generation of forwards who are as comfortable at the ruck as they are in the scrum, reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a forward‑centric powerhouse.

Implications for the World Rugby Player of the Year Race

While Malcolm Marx ultimately lifted the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year trophy, Nché’s presence on the shortlist has already shifted the conversation. The fact that a prop was nominated alongside backs and loose forwards signals a broader appreciation for the contributions of front‑row players. As Youngs put it, “we’re on a campaign for a prop to win Player of the Year and Ox… was just doing things.” This campaign, sparked by Nché’s performances, may influence future voting panels to weigh set‑piece impact more heavily.

Moreover, the discussion on the podcast has amplified Nché’s profile beyond South Africa’s borders. With former England internationals championing his case, the narrative of a South African prop challenging for the sport’s highest individual honour has entered the global rugby discourse, potentially inspiring other nations to recognise the value of their own front‑row talents.

What This Means for Springbok Fans

For the SA fan base, Nché’s rise is a source of pride and excitement. The Springboks have long been a unifying force across the nation, and moments like a prop being shortlisted for a world‑class award reinforce that unity. Supporters see Nché’s achievements as a testament to the depth of talent emerging from townships, schools and provincial clubs, echoing the transformation narrative that sport continues to champion in South Africa.

The buzz surrounding Nché also fuels anticipation for the upcoming international calendar. With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, fans will be keen to see whether the Springboks can build on their breakdown dominance and set‑piece prowess to challenge the traditional powerhouses. The memory of the 43‑28 win over New Zealand, powered in part by Nché’s ball‑carrying and breakdown work, will linger as a benchmark for what the team can achieve when its forward pack is firing on all cylinders.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Prop Position

Ox Nché’s campaign, as highlighted by Youngs and Cole, may well redefine the modern prop’s role. No longer confined to the scrum, today’s loosehead is expected to be a ball‑carrier, a passer, a defender and a breakdown specialist. This evolution mirrors the broader trend in rugby towards multi‑skill forwards who can keep the game moving at pace.

For South African rugby administrators and coaches, the lesson is clear: nurture props who can do more than just anchor the scrum. Development pathways should incorporate handling drills, decision‑making under pressure and breakdown techniques that mirror the high‑intensity style displayed by the Boks. If the Springboks continue to produce players like Nché, the nation’s forward dominance will remain a cornerstone of its identity, and the world will keep watching as South Africa redefines what a prop can achieve on the global stage.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: SARugbyMag; sarugbymag.co.za; Global1.News (15 September 2026).

By Dante Williams, Staff Writer