Retshegofaditswe 'Tshego' Nché, commonly known as Ox Nche, is an impressive and powerful loosehead prop hailing from Bloemfontein. He gained significant recognition and became a fan favorite while representing the Free State Cheetahs as their number one prop.
Ox attended HTS Louis Botha and showcased his talent by earning a spot in the Free State U18 Craven Week side in 2012, despite being a year younger than most of his peers. He also had the privilege of representing SA Schools against England, France, and Wales.
After completing high school, Ox enrolled at the Free State University and represented Shimlas in the Varsity Cup. His exceptional performances in the Varsity Cup earned him a place in the Springbok U20 squad for the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.
Following his stint with the U20 Springboks, Ox began his senior career with the Cheetahs in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup. In 2016, he had a remarkable season, which led to him being named the Currie Cup Player of the Year.
Ox continued to excel and featured in 13 out of the Cheetahs' 15 Super Rugby matches in 2017, bringing his total appearances in the competition to 25 before the Cheetahs joined the Pro14.
His impressive performances in the Pro14 did not go unnoticed, as he was selected by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the June Test squad to face Wales and England in 2018. Ox made his international debut against Wales in Washington.
Despite interest from other rugby clubs, Ox chose to extend his contract with the Cheetahs until the end of October 2019. However, following the conclusion of his contract, he signed a deal to join the Sharks for the 2020 season.
In June 2021, Ox Nche was named in South Africa's 46-man squad for the British and Irish Lions Tour, further highlighting his rise in the rugby world. With his power and agility, Ox Nche continues to make a significant impact on the field as a talented loosehead prop.
Nienaber has named Ox as part of the 2023 Rugby world cup squad.
KT August 2023
Career
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South Africa A Loosehead Prop |
2017 - present |
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South Africa Loosehead Prop |
2018 - present |
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Sharks Loosehead Prop |
2020 - present |
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Springbok Green Loosehead Prop |
2020 - present |
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Natal Sharks Loosehead Prop |
2020 - present |
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UFS Shimlas Tighthead Prop |
2015 - 2017 |
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South Africa U20's Loosehead Prop |
2015 - 2017 |
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Cheetahs Loosehead Prop |
2016 - 2019 |
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Free State Cheetahs Loosehead Prop |
2016 - 2019 |
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HTS Louis Botha Loosehead Prop |
