In rugby, the scoreboard tells you who won, but it doesn’t always tell you who fought the hardest. Behind every try, celebrated conversion and match-winning moment are countless acts of determination that rarely receive the same attention.

From a last-ditch tackle to a brutal collision or a turnover that shifts the momentum of an entire game, these moments often define a team’s performance. Now, OMO is putting the spotlight on those contributions through a new rugby initiative designed to recognise the work that happens beyond the highlights.

Introducing The Dirt Index, a new performance metric that challenges supporters to look at rugby differently and appreciate the players who put everything on the line, even when the cameras aren’t focused on them.

Changing How We Measure Rugby Greatness

Traditionally, rugby conversations revolve around tries scored, points accumulated and individual brilliance. But what about the player who repeatedly makes the difficult tackles, wins possession under pressure or carries the ball through heavy defensive traffic?

The Dirt Index aims to recognise precisely those contributions.

Developed by OMO, the proprietary metric combines established rugby performance indicators, including gain-line carries, try-saving tackles, collision involvements and turnovers won. Together, these measurements generate a score that highlights the determination, resilience and work rate behind individual performances.

It’s an interesting shift in how supporters engage with the game. Rather than celebrating only the players who finish the move, the initiative recognises those who make the opportunity possible.

The Index has already been active throughout the 2026 season, starting with the Barbarians Test in June before extending into the U13, U16 and U18 Youth Weeks. It will continue across the Nations Championship and Rugby Championship, with rankings available through OMO’s social media channels.

The Wash Room: Meeting the Person Behind the Jersey

While statistics can reveal plenty about an athlete’s contribution, they rarely capture the personal experiences that shape their journey.

That’s where The Wash Room comes in.

The once-off podcast special brings together award-winning actor and former Sharks Academy player Olly Zondi and rugby presenter and content creator Jordan Buhrs. Together, they move beyond conventional post-match conversations to explore the personal stories behind South African rugby.

Featuring Springboks Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker and André Esterhuizen, the conversations explore the sacrifices, setbacks, relationships and experiences that come with representing the country.

For Zondi, the opportunity is about understanding the human being behind the Springbok jersey. The journey to professional rugby isn’t always straightforward, and the experiences that shape an athlete often happen long before they step onto the international stage.

Buhrs shares a similar perspective, highlighting how the smallest contributions can change the outcome of a match, even when they never make the highlights reel.

It’s this combination of personal storytelling and performance recognition that gives the campaign its appeal. Fans aren’t simply being encouraged to celebrate their favourite players; they’re being invited to understand what goes into becoming them.

Why Resilience Matters Beyond Rugby

OMO’s broader message centres on its belief that some of life’s most meaningful experiences come with a little dirt.

Through its Play On platform, the brand connects rugby’s physical demands with something familiar to everyday South Africans: the ability to get back up after a setback.

Whether it’s pursuing a career, navigating personal challenges or chasing an opportunity, resilience often matters more than getting everything right the first time.

Elizabeth Mokwena, Homecare Marketing Director at Unilever, says the initiative reflects the importance of embracing life’s challenges rather than allowing setbacks to define us.

That message gives the campaign relevance beyond the sporting community, particularly for younger South Africans navigating their own ambitions and uncertainties.

Ultimately, The Dirt Index and The Wash Room offer two different perspectives on the same story: greatness isn’t only about the moments everyone sees, but also the effort, sacrifices and determination that happen behind the scenes.

Because sometimes, the players who leave the biggest mark on a game aren’t necessarily the ones who end up on the scoreboard.

Watch The Wash Room podcast special on YouTube: Watch here.