Winners and Losers in Rugby for 2024: A Year in Review
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on an extraordinary year in rugby, where records were shattered, underdogs triumphed, and historic moments unfolded. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the standout winners and unfortunate losers across the rugby world this year.
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Winners
Springboks
The South African rugby team, reigning Rugby World Cup champions, continued their dominance in 2024. They began the year as the top-ranked team globally and retained that status throughout, winning 11 of their 13 Test matches. Highlights included clinching the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019 and achieving back-to-back victories against New Zealand and Australia. They also reclaimed the Freedom Cup, beating New Zealand for the fourth consecutive time, and went unbeaten in November, a feat last achieved in 2013.
Their attacking strategies evolved under Tony Brown, while Jerry Flannery fortified their defense. The squad saw extensive rotation, with 50 players, including 12 debutants, contributing to their success. Pieter-Steph du Toit was named Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards, where several Springboks featured in the Dream Team of the Year.
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Red Roses
England’s women’s rugby team continued their imperious form, remaining undefeated throughout 2024. They secured another Six Nations Grand Slam, conceding only 41 points across five matches. The team also defended their WXV 1 title, with Ellie Kildunne earning the Women’s 15s Player of the Year award. Their remarkable record stands at 50 wins from their last 51 matches.
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Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean rugby team, the Sables, enjoyed a historic year by winning their first Rugby Africa Cup in 12 years. They dethroned long-standing champions Namibia in the semi-finals and defeated Algeria in the final. Their success propelled them from 31st to 27th in the world rankings, signaling a potential bid for the next Rugby World Cup.
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Toulouse
The French rugby giants had a stellar year, winning both the Investec Champions Cup and their 23rd Top 14 championship. Their dominance on the domestic and European stages marked them as a formidable force heading into 2025.
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Northampton Saints
2024 was a special year for Northampton Saints as they bid farewell to long-serving players like Courtney Lawes and the Waller brothers. The team topped the Premiership table and clinched the title for the first time in a decade.
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Glasgow Warriors
The Warriors defied expectations to win their maiden United Rugby Championship (URC) title. Franco Smith’s tactical versatility and Sione Tuipulotu’s outstanding form, both for club and country, were instrumental in their success.
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Antoine Dupont
The French scrum-half added to his accolades, winning Olympic gold in rugby sevens and claiming both the Top 14 and Champions Cup titles. Dupont capped off his remarkable year with the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award.
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The Blues
The Auckland-based team ended a 21-year drought by winning their first full Super Rugby title since 2003, defeating the Chiefs in the final.
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Wallace Sititi
The young back-rower had a breakout year for the All Blacks, filling the void left by Shannon Frizell. Sititi’s performances earned him the All Blacks Player of the Year award.
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Joe Schmidt
Appointed head coach of the Wallabies, Schmidt orchestrated a significant turnaround. Australia recorded key wins over Wales and England, and pushed Ireland to the limit in November, signaling an upward trajectory for the team.
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Losers
Leinster
Despite their star-studded lineup, Leinster endured another trophyless year, falling short in both the Investec Champions Cup final and the URC semi-finals.
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English Rugby
England’s men’s team struggled throughout the year, winning just three Six Nations matches and suffering a series of defeats against top-tier opponents. Off the pitch, the RFU faced significant backlash over executive pay scandals, further tarnishing the year.
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Wales
The Welsh men’s team had a disastrous year, failing to win a single Test match and setting a record losing streak. The turmoil extended to administrative issues, with the resignation of the executive director of rugby amid mounting grievances.
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Crusaders
The New Zealand-based team suffered a dramatic fall from grace, failing to make the Super Rugby playoffs for the first time in years. Controversy surrounded head coach Rob Penney, whose conduct raised concerns.
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Damian Willemse
Injuries sidelined the Springbok fullback for much of 2024, denying him the chance to build on his breakout performances from the previous year.
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Hoskins Sotutu
Despite his stellar Super Rugby season with the Blues, Sotutu failed to secure a spot in the All Blacks squad. An untimely injury further dashed his hopes of making an international impact in 2024.
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Eddie Jones
Jones’ return to Japan as head coach was far from successful, with the team underperforming and his position coming under scrutiny.
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France
Les Bleus had an underwhelming year, finishing second in the Six Nations and facing disciplinary issues during their tour of Argentina. Criticism over their player selections added to their woes.
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World Sevens Series
The restructured sevens tournament struggled to capture interest, with its format and scheduling facing widespread criticism.
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Rugby in 2024 showcased incredible highs for some and disheartening lows for others. As we move into 2025, many teams and players will look to build on their successes or rebound from setbacks in the year ahead.