South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year for the second time during a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday. England’s Ellie Kildunne claimed the women’s player of the year honor, while Antoine Dupont and Maddison Levi took home the sevens awards.
Du Toit, who previously won the award in 2019, joins an elite group of players to win the title twice, alongside New Zealand greats Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, and Beauden Barrett. He is the third South African to achieve this accolade, following Schalk Burger in 2004 and Bryan Habana in 2007.
The flanker played a key role in South Africa’s success, helping the Springboks secure their first Rugby Championship title in five years and delivering a clean sweep of victories over Scotland, England, and Wales during the Autumn series.
Ellie Kildunne and Sevens Stars Shine
England fullback Ellie Kildunne was recognized for her exceptional performances in 2024, helping her team win all 10 matches this year, including the Six Nations and WXV 1 titles.
Antoine Dupont made history by becoming the first player to win both the 15s and sevens titles, following his pivotal role in securing France’s Olympic gold on home soil. Australia’s Maddison Levi, a dominant force in the women’s game, broke records at the Olympics with 14 tries and scored an impressive 69 tries during the SVNS 2024 series, the second-highest tally in series history.
France’s sevens coach, Jerome Daret, was named Coach of the Year, becoming the first sevens coach to receive the honor.
Breakthrough Players of the Year
New Zealand’s loose forward Wallace Sititi was named Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year after a standout debut season. On the women’s side, Ireland flanker Erin King earned the breakthrough award for her seamless transition from sevens to 15s rugby following the Paris Olympics.
These accolades highlight a year of incredible achievements across men’s, women’s, and sevens rugby.
