Man Candy: Rugby Star, Ox Nche on brotherhood, balance and why self-care is a strength

As one of South Africa's leading rugby stars and a member of the Dove Men+Care Brotherhood, Ox Nche knows that peak performance goes beyond what happens on the field. From recovery routines and mental resilience to skincare and the importance of community, he shares how self-care has become an essential part of his game and why every man should embrace it without hesitation.

Professional rugby is built on strength, discipline and resilience but sustaining success over a long season requires far more than physical toughness. For Ox Nche, wellness is rooted in the everyday habits that support both body and mind, from quality sleep and recovery to family time and simple skincare routines.

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As part of the Dove Men+Care Brotherhood, he's also helping redefine modern masculinity by encouraging men to see self-care as a sign of strength rather than weakness. Here, he opens up about finding balance during the demands of elite sport, the power of brotherhood and the routines that keep him performing at his best.

As part of the Dove Men+Care Brotherhood, Ox is also helping redefine modern masculinity by encouraging men to see self-care as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

GLAMOUR: Rugby season can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. How do you make sure you're looking after your overall wellbeing throughout such a busy schedule?

Ox Nche: Rugby asks a lot of you, and if you're not looking after yourself, the season can catch up with you very quickly. Over the years I've realised that taking care of myself isn't just about being available for the next game, it's about making sure I can consistently perform at my best. Recovery, sleep, eating well, spending time with family and making space to switch off all play a role. Wellness isn't one thing; it's about the habits that help you keep showing up every day.

GLAMOUR: Self-care often means different things to different people. What does self-care look like for you during the peak of rugby season?

Ox Nche: For me, self-care is about balance. People know I joke that salads don't win you scrums, and I still stand by that! But the point is that it's never been about chasing perfection. It's about making good choices consistently, taking care of my body and giving myself permission to enjoy life too. Looking after your skin, recovering properly, getting enough rest and making time for the people you love are all part of that.

GLAMOUR: Between training, travel, matches and recovery, how do you find time for yourself, and why is that important?

Ox Nche: You have to make it a priority because the rugby calendar doesn't suddenly create free time for you. I've learnt that even small moments matter. Whether it's spending time with my family, having a good conversation with friends or just enjoying a quiet moment, those breaks help me reset. They remind me that while rugby is a huge part of my life, it doesn't define my entire identity.

GLAMOUR: Recovery is a huge part of being an elite athlete. What are some of the daily habits or routines you never compromise on to keep yourself feeling at your best?

Ox Nche: Sleep is probably the biggest one. Everything starts there. I also stay on top of my recovery sessions, hydration and nutrition because those are things I can control every day. Taking care of my skin has become another simple habit for me, Dove Men+Care is my go-to skincare companion, especially with the amount of travel, training and time spent outdoors. People often think performance is built on the big moments, but it's really the small routines you stick to every day.

GLAMOUR: Looking after yourself isn't just about physical fitness. How do you prioritise your mental wellbeing during the highs and lows of a rugby season?

Ox Nche: One thing rugby teaches you is resilience. There are incredible highs and there are disappointments, sometimes in the same week. I've learnt the importance of leaning on the people around me. My teammates understand the journey because they're living it too, and my family helps keep me grounded. Being able to talk, laugh and keep perspective makes a huge difference.

GLAMOUR: As someone many young men look up to, what message would you share about why self-care should never be seen as a weakness?

Ox Nche: For a long time, many men were taught that strength meant pushing through everything on your own. I don't believe that anymore. Looking after yourself takes discipline. Knowing when your body needs recovery, when your mind needs a break or when you need support is part of becoming stronger, not weaker. You perform better in every area of your life when you take care of yourself first.

GLAMOUR: You're part of the Dove Men+Care Brotherhood. What does being part of this community mean to you personally?

Ox Nche: What I appreciate most is that the Brotherhood celebrates a different picture of masculinity. It reminds men that strength and care can exist together. You can be competitive, ambitious and resilient while also looking after yourself and the people around you. That's something I relate to both as a rugby player and as a person.

GLAMOUR: How does the Dove Men+Care Brotherhood reflect the values you experience within a rugby team, both on and off the field?

Ox Nche: The best teams are built on trust, respect and accountability. You push each other to be better, but you also support each other when things aren't going well. That's what brotherhood is. It's not only about celebrating success, but also about showing up for one another consistently, and I think Dove Men+Care captures that really well.

GLAMOUR: Brotherhood is about showing up for one another. Can you share a moment when a teammate's support made a real difference to you?

Ox Nche: One thing people don't always see is how much players support each other away from the cameras. Sometimes it's a conversation after a difficult match, someone checking in after an injury or simply reminding you to keep believing in yourself. Those moments build trust, and that's what makes a team stronger. You realise you're never carrying the pressure on your own.

GLAMOUR: What role do the men around you, whether teammates, coaches, friends or family, play in helping you stay grounded and balanced throughout the season?

Ox Nche: They keep me connected to what really matters. My family reminds me who I am outside of rugby, my teammates understand the pressures that come with the game and my coaches continue to challenge me to improve. Having that support system allows me to stay balanced and appreciate the journey rather than getting caught up in every result.

GLAMOUR: How do you hope your partnership with Dove Men+Care inspires South African men to think differently about wellness and self-care?

Ox Nche: I hope it helps normalise the idea that taking care of yourself is something every man deserves. Wellness isn't only for athletes or people with lots of free time. Whether you're working long hours, raising a family or studying, making time for yourself matters. If more men start seeing self-care as part of everyday life instead of something optional, that's a positive shift.

GLAMOUR: What's one piece of advice you'd give to men juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities or sport about making time to care for themselves?

Ox Nche: Don't wait until you're completely burnt out before you decide to slow down. Looking after yourself doesn't have to mean making huge changes. Start with the basics. Rest when you can, look after your health, create routines that work for you and don't underestimate the value of the small things you do consistently. They add up over time.

GLAMOUR: Please drop some winter skincare tips before we let you go.

Ox Nche: I'm no skincare expert, but I've learnt a few things over the years. Winter can be rough on your skin, especially when you're outside training.

I'd say don't wait until your skin is already dry before you do something about it. Throw on some lotion after your shower, keep some lip balm close because cracked lips are never fun, and if your skin feels dry, don't ignore it.

The biggest thing for me is keeping it simple. Find products that work for you and actually use them. There's no point buying everything if it's just going to sit in the cupboard. Consistency beats doing the most.