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Ox Nché Talks grooming, self-care, and being the face of Dove Men+Care
Springbok champion and prop Retshegofaditswe Nché ‘Ox’ is known for his powerhouse presence on the rugby field — but off the pitch, the sportsman is leading a different kind of charge: promoting grooming, mental wellness, and self-care for South African men.
As the new face of Dove Men+Care, Ox brings authenticity, relatability, and a fresh conversation to a space often overlooked by men.
In an exclusive conversation with The Citizen, Ox opened up about his journey with the brand, what grooming means to him, and why self-care, both physical and mental, should no longer be taboo for men.
“It’s about spending time with yourself holistically and trying to feel better,” he says.
“Many guys don’t do skincare routines simply because they don’t know when or where to start. I think every man should groom themselves, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s a form of self-respect.”
Ox embodies what it means to be a modern South African man: strong, grounded, and thoughtful.
“Being a Springbok means inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams,” he says. “Not just in sport, but in any field. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.”
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The athlete’s partnership with Dove Men+Care is more than just skin-deep.
He believes in breaking down stigmas, especially those related to mental health and personal care. “Mental health isn’t something that’s only for certain people,” Ox says firmly. “If I have something that’s bothering me, I go to therapy and speak to friends.
Saying mental health isn’t for Black people is like neglecting yourself.”
He believes preparing for a game is as much about the mind as the body. “The easiest part of playing a game is preparing mentally for the upcoming challenge. If I’m not in the right headspace, it shows.”
When asked which grooming product men should invest in, his answer is instant: face cream. “In my experience in Mzansi, most guys use deodorant, but they don’t take care of their facial skin. Your face is your introduction to the world.”
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For Ox, grooming is part of his pre-game ritual. While some teammates might skip a shower for luck, Ox takes a different approach.
“I have to be properly moisturised, and smell good—I don’t want distractions. I want to focus on the game, and part of that is feeling good in my skin.”
Despite the pressures of fame and performance, Ox remains grounded by the love and support of everyday South Africans. “I appreciate them so much. They always approach you and show love. South Africans are caring people.”
As the face of Dove Men+Care, Ox Nché is redefining what it means to be strong. His message is clear: self-care is not a weakness — it’s power.
And whether you’re scoring tries or chasing your dreams, looking after yourself should always be part of the plan.
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