The powerhouse prop who has redefined scrummaging excellence in modern rugby
Retshegofaditswe ‘Tshego’ Nché, universally known as Ox Nché, stands as one of rugby’s most formidable loosehead props and a cornerstone of South African rugby excellence. Born on July 23, 1995, in Bloemfontein, this 30-year-old dynamo has carved out a reputation as an internationally acclaimed scrummager whose impact transcends traditional front-row expectations.
Early Life and Foundation Years
Ox Nché’s rugby journey began in the rugby-mad city of Bloemfontein, where he attended HTS Louis Botha—notably one of the less established rugby schools in the area. Despite this humble beginning, his raw talent quickly became evident. His nickname ‘Ox’ emerged naturally from teammates who witnessed his extraordinary strength and power on the field, drawing immediate comparisons to legendary Springbok Os du Randt.
His provincial career launched in 2011 when he earned selection for the Free State Under-16 Grant Khomo Week squad. By 2012, despite being in the Under-17 age group, Nché was starting all three matches for Free State at the prestigious Under-18 Craven Week competition in Port Elizabeth. This exceptional performance earned him selection for the South African Schools squad, where he faced international opposition against France, Wales, and England.
University Success and Professional Breakthrough
Balancing academics with rugby excellence, Nché pursued a degree in Geography and Statistics at the University of the Free State. His university rugby career reached its pinnacle with the UFS Shimlas in the 2015 Varsity Cup competition. Starting as a reserve, he earned his place in the starting lineup for their final regular season match and retained this position through their remarkable championship run. Nché played a crucial role in Shimlas’ historic 63-33 victory over NWU Pukke in the final, securing their first-ever Varsity Cup title.
His junior international credentials were equally impressive. At the 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship, Nché started all three Pool B matches, helping South Africa achieve the best pool stage record. His try against Australia was instrumental in their progression to the semi-finals, ultimately securing a bronze medal with a 31-18 victory over France in the third-place playoff.
Professional Club Career
The Cheetahs Era (2016-2019)
Nché’s professional journey began with the Free State Cheetahs in 2016, where he made an immediate impact in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup. His breakthrough season came in 2016 when he helped Free State claim their first Currie Cup title in nine years, earning him the prestigious Currie Cup Player of the Year award at SA Rugby’s annual prize-giving ceremony.
During his time with the Cheetahs, Nché accumulated 25 Super Rugby appearances and established himself as one of the competition’s most promising props. His performances were characterized by exceptional scrummaging technique, surprising mobility for a front-row forward, and an ability to link effectively with the backs in attack.
Transition to the Sharks (2020-Present)
The strategic move to the Sharks in 2020 proved career-defining for Nché. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic limiting the season to just seven matches, he emerged as one of the standout performers. His impact was so significant that he featured in the Springbok trial game at Newlands, paving the way for his international resurgence.
At the Sharks, Nché has accumulated over 60 appearances and established himself as a cornerstone of their pack. His performances earned him a spot in the URC Team of the Year in 2024, and he played a pivotal role in the Sharks’ 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup triumph in Europe. The franchise recognized his value by securing his services until June 2028, rejecting significant interest from French Top 14 clubs.
International Career and Springbok Legacy
Early International Recognition
Nché’s international journey began with his Springbok debut against Wales in Washington DC on June 2, 2018, under coach Rassie Erasmus. However, opportunities were limited during this period, and he had to wait until 2021 for his next cap against Georgia.
The Lions Series and Beyond
The 2021 British and Irish Lions series marked Nché’s emergence as a crucial Springbok squad member. His performances off the bench, particularly in the first Test, demonstrated his ability to impact games at the highest level. He continued to build on this foundation with appearances against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
2023 Rugby World Cup Heroics
The 2023 Rugby World Cup in France showcased Nché at his absolute peak. His game-changing performance coming off the bench in the semi-final against England was pivotal in South Africa’s momentum shift and eventual victory. This display of scrummaging dominance under the highest pressure cemented his reputation as one of world rugby’s premier props.
Career Achievements and Recognition
Nché’s trophy cabinet reflects his sustained excellence across multiple levels:
- 2023 Rugby World Cup Winner with South Africa
- 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup Winner with the Sharks
- URC Team of the Year 2024
- World Rugby Dream Team 2024
- 2016 Currie Cup Winner and Player of the Year
- 2015 Varsity Cup Winner with UFS Shimlas
- Over 41 Springbok caps to date
His scrummaging prowess has reached such heights that critics argued he deserved nomination for World Rugby’s Men’s Player of the Year—an accolade never before awarded to a prop. Planet Rugby readers voted him their Men’s Player of the Year, demonstrating his impact beyond traditional rugby circles.
Playing Style and Technical Excellence
Standing at 1.76m and weighing 123kg, Nché combines old-school scrummaging power with modern mobility and skill. His technical excellence at the scrum has drawn favorable comparisons to Os du Randt, while his ability to contribute in loose play, link with backs, and contest breakdowns makes him invaluable in contemporary rugby.
Former Springbok legend Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira has praised Nché’s complete game, stating his belief that the prop will become one of the great Springbok looseheads. This endorsement from a World Cup-winning predecessor speaks volumes about Nché’s potential and current standing in the game.
Personal Life and Character
Beyond rugby, Nché reveals a surprisingly diverse personality. His passion for baking, particularly chocolate caramel cakes, has endeared him to fans and teammates alike. His light-hearted motto, “salads don’t win scrums,” perfectly encapsulates his approach to both nutrition and life.
A devout Christian, Nché frequently shares his faith on social media. He is in a relationship with Katya Kuropas, a Ukrainian-born model and actress, and maintains strong connections to his Bloemfontein roots.
Legacy and Future Prospects
As Ox Nché continues to dominate scrums in the green and gold of the Springboks and the black and white of the Sharks, his impact on South African rugby grows ever more significant. His technical mastery, combined with his ability to perform under the most intense pressure, positions him as a generational talent who has redefined what it means to be a modern prop forward.
With his recent contract extension keeping him at the Sharks until 2028 and his continued prominence in the Springbok setup, Nché’s journey is far from complete. As he approaches his peak years, rugby fans can expect continued excellence from this remarkable athlete who truly embodies the strength, skill, and spirit of South African rugby.
