Dutch-born All Black Fabian Holland has won World Rugby's Breakout Player of the Year award.
Lock Holland, who started in his team's 52-26 victory over Wales in Cardiff this morning, featured in 12 of the All Blacks' 13 Tests in 2025, his first year at this level.
The 23-year-old, who as a teenager left his homeland to travel to New Zealand to pursue his dream of becoming an All Black, is the sixth New Zealand player to win the award. Loose forward Wallace Sititi won it last year.
Holland, who impressed with his consistency and work ethic for the All Blacks this year, beat South Africa outside back Ethan Hooker, England loose forward Henry Pollock and Wallabies midfielder Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to win the award.
The 2.04m tall Holland made his All Blacks debut in July against France, starting in the Test and playing the full 80 minutes, making 16 tackles – the most on the team – and hitting 40 rucks.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said: 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.
Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx was named men's Player of the Year.
Marx, who featured in his team's victory over Ireland in Dublin this morning, beat fellow Boks Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, plus French wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey to the award.
Marx, 31, was also nominated for the award seven years ago.
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