South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and England fullback Ellie Kildunne were named World Rugby Players of the Year 2024 on Sunday, celebrating their exceptional performances and achievements.
Pieter-Steph du Toit: A Historic Second Win
- Du Toit, the 2019 winner, joined rugby legends Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Beauden Barrett as a two-time recipient of the award.
- Despite the Springboks’ rotation policy, he featured in 10 of their 13 tests, completing 80 minutes in 8 games.
- The double World Cup champion was pivotal in South Africa’s Rugby Championship win—their first since 2019—and an unbeaten European autumn tour in 11 years.
- Du Toit missed the final win against Wales due to a shoulder injury but was crowned ahead of teammates Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Ireland’s Caelan Doris.
Ellie Kildunne: England’s Star Fullback
- Kildunne’s stellar year saw her named Women’s Six Nations Player of the Year, winning a Grand Slam, retaining the WXV1 title, and scoring 14 tries in 10 tests.
- She also contributed to Britain’s Paris Olympic sevens campaign, further solidifying her versatility.
- Other nominees included Alex Matthews, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, and Alex Tessier, but Kildunne became England’s fourth winner in five years.
Breakthrough Stars and Notable Mentions
- Erin King: The first Irishwoman to win an individual award as Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year, aiding Ireland’s historic win over New Zealand in the WXV1.
- Wallace Sititi: The All Blacks flanker debuted on his 22nd birthday and played all seven remaining tests, earning the Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year title.
Sevens Players and Coaches Recognized
- Antoine Dupont: Led France to their first Olympic gold and World Series title, scoring twice in the final against Fiji.
- Maddison Levi: Dominated women’s sevens with 69 World Series tries and 14 Olympic tries.
- Jerome Daret: Guided France’s men’s sevens team to unprecedented success, earning Coach of the Year.