Planet Rugby Team of the Year 2024: Vote for the Pack!
After a thrilling international season in 2024, Planet Rugby invites you to decide the ultimate Team of the Year. The selection process has been tough, and our writers have narrowed down the shortlist for each position to four exceptional players. Your votes will determine the final lineup, so rally your rugby-loving friends and have your say!
Number Eight Nominees
The number eight position was a hotly contested spot in 2024, with many standout performances. Unfortunately, players like Joaquin Oviedo, Rob Valetini, and Gregory Alldritt narrowly missed the cut. The final nominees are:
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Doris had a phenomenal year, guiding Ireland to a Six Nations title and a drawn series against the Springboks in South Africa. His consistent performances and leadership were vital to Ireland’s success.
- Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
- The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year continued to excel for the All Blacks, even if he didn’t hit the same peak as last year. Savea’s immense skills and physicality remain unmatched.
- Jasper Wiese (South Africa)
- After returning from suspension, Wiese was a cornerstone for the Springboks. His powerful runs and defensive prowess contributed to South Africa’s strong showings throughout the year.
- Ben Earl (England)
- Earl was a shining light in a challenging year for England. His relentless work rate and contributions on both sides of the ball earned him a spot among the elite.
👉 Cast your vote here for the number eight of the year!
Openside Flanker Nominees
Selecting the best openside flanker sparked fierce debate among the Planet Rugby team. Unfortunately, Juan Martín González was a close miss. However, these four outstanding players made the cut:
- Pablo Matera (Argentina)
- Matera’s skill and determination saw him feature in World Rugby’s Dream XV. He was pivotal for the Pumas in an exciting year.
- Fraser McReight (Australia)
- The Wallabies’ standout flanker delivered excellent performances, showcasing his dynamic play and grit across international competitions.
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- A workhorse in every sense, Van der Flier maintained his high standards and was instrumental in Ireland’s successes in 2024.
- Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
- Despite a less impactful domestic season at Racing 92, Kolisi was inspirational in the Springbok jersey. His leadership and game-changing contributions in the July Internationals, Rugby Championship, and Autumn Nations Series were exceptional.
👉 Vote for your openside flanker of the year here!
Backline Voting Still Open!
The polls for the backline positions are still live. Decide between the likes of Aphelele Fassi, Will Jordan, and more after their blockbuster 2024 Test seasons.
💬 Start the conversation!
Join the debate in the comments and share your picks for the Team of the Year. Let’s see who reigns supreme!