At the end of 2024, rugby legend David Campese reviewed the standout players of the year. He highlighted a fantastic year for Test rugby with Los Pumas solidifying their position in the Rugby Championship, the Springboks evolving into one of the finest teams he’s ever seen, and Australia showing signs of progress. At the club level, Toulouse emerged as arguably the greatest club side in history, and Antoine Dupont’s skill set was seen to benefit from his Sevens experience.
Here are the 12 players Campese enjoyed watching the most throughout the year:
Forwards
1. Ox Nche (South Africa) – Known for his powerful scrummaging and explosive play despite his shorter stature. Nche’s humor and work ethic have made him a national hero.
2. Fraser McReight (Australia) – A key figure in the Wallabies’ improved performance, praised for his ball-handling skills and consistency.
3. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) – Versatile and a great scorer, du Toit’s abrasiveness and consistency make him one of the greatest Boks.
4. François Cros (France) – An essential player for Toulouse and France, known for his quick ruck ball delivery and defensive work.
5. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) – A physical force with exceptional intelligence in the game, Etzebeth is considered one of the best Bok players of all time.
6. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – A dynamic forward with excellent footwork and a key leader for both Leinster and Ireland.
Backs
1. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) – A small but skilled winger known for his agility and ability to outplay bigger opponents.
2. Will Jordan (New Zealand) – A masterful try-scorer with a keen ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
3. Marcus Smith (England) – An entertaining and effective playmaker, known for his attacking flair and ability to challenge defences.
4. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – A powerful centre reminiscent of Wallaby Tim Horan, Tuipulotu excels in both defence and attack.
5. Tomas Albornoz (Argentina) – A talented young fly-half who was instrumental in Argentina’s successes in the Rugby Championship.
6. Antoine Dupont (France) – Arguably the best player in the world, Dupont’s skill set is unmatched, combining Sevens experience with exceptional playmaking abilities.
These players have been key to their teams’ successes and showcased remarkable skill throughout the year, making 2024 a memorable rugby season.