Planet Rugby has published its global hooker rankings, and Malcolm Marx sits comfortably clear at the top — a verdict built on his 2025 Rugby Championship haul (four tries, joint leading scorer), his World Rugby Men's Player of the Year award, and a return from bicep injury that saw him dominate England at Ellis Park before the Nations Championship was done. The piece notes he is now the only forward in South Africa's all-time top 10 scorers, and flags what anyone who has stood near him already suspects: the television undersells his physical presence entirely.
The rest of the list is worth a read for context. Toulouse's Peato Mauvaka is ranked third — the most destructive carrier in the position globally — with Dan Sheehan second despite a Six Nations the piece concedes was below his own standards. Codie Taylor and Taukei'aho occupy four and five, which sets up a pointed observation about where All Black selection at hooker is heading. For Bok fans, the Marx section doubles as a useful reminder of just how wide the gap is between him and the rest of the world.