Monaco, with its elegance and glamour, is gearing up to host one of the sporting calendar’s most anticipated evenings: the World Rugby Awards 2024, set to take place on Sunday, November 24th. This event will celebrate the year’s top achievements in international rugby, uniting the sport’s elite under the glitz and prestige of the Principality.
Nominees Announced: A Showcase of Talent
The awards shortlists have been revealed, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication displayed throughout a landmark year for rugby. A total of 28 standout international players from both the 15s and sevens formats are in contention for awards across eight categories. These include the coveted Player of the Year titles and the Try of the Year awards, the latter allowing fans to have had their say through online voting.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin commented on the significance of the event:
“On behalf of World Rugby, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the nominees selected and thank them for their contribution to the advancement of our sport. In a calendar year that saw fantastic 15s and 7s tournaments, including a ground-breaking Olympic Games in Paris, they shone brightly and inspired fans around the world, showcasing the very best of our game and its values. We look forward to bringing our global family together in Monaco for the fourth time under the High Patronage of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco and to presenting a wider range of winners with rugby’s highest honours: the World Rugby Awards.”
Monaco and Rugby: A Special Bond
Under the High Patronage of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, the awards reflect not only athletic excellence but also the Principality’s growing connection to global rugby. This marks the fourth time Monaco has hosted the ceremony, providing a fitting backdrop of elegance for an evening of sporting prestige.
Princess Charlene, a passionate supporter of rugby, plays a vital role in the event, bringing together a mix of rugby greats, special guests, and fans for a night that bridges tradition with celebration.
What to Expect: Glamour and Anticipation
The ceremony promises a perfect blend of athletic recognition and entertainment. While the shortlists cover eight categories, six additional awards will be unveiled during the event, adding an air of mystery and anticipation. The full guest list includes legends of the sport, current stars, and influential figures from the rugby world.
Fans who cannot attend in person can still soak up the atmosphere through World Rugby’s social media platforms, where coverage of the red carpet and ceremony will be streamed live.
A Celebration of Rugby Values
This year has been monumental for rugby. Here is just a flavour of the awards to come and the nominees under consideration:
World Rugby Men’s Rugby Player of the Year Nominees:
Caelan Doris (IRE)
Eben Etzebeth (RSA)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (RSA)
Cheslin Kolbe (RSA)
Among the four shortlisted players, topped by world champions South Africa, is former winner Pieter-Steph du Toit. The Springbok flanker previously won the award in 2019 and was a near-everybody as his side won the Rugby Championship and embarked on a successful European tour. Team-mate Eben Etzebeth is nominated for the second year running after becoming the most-capped South African player in the men’s game. The third Springbok on the list is Cheslin Kolbe, who shone once again in 2024 while showing his versatility, adding the lineout throw to his bag of talents. Caelan Doris, meanwhile, was a key cog in Ireland’s Men’s Six Nations victory and then captained the team to their second Test win in South Africa.
Men’s Rugby Union International Players’ Try of the Year
James Lowe (Ireland v England, Men’s Six Nations, 10 March)
Lorenzo Pani (Italy v Wales, Men’s Six Nations, 17 March)
Nolann Le Garrec (France v England, Men’s Six Nations, 17 March)
Akaki Tabutsadze (Georgia v Australia, July Internationals, 20 July)
Four tries scored by European nations, three in the Men’s Six Nations and one in the July internationals, are on the shortlist. James Lowe capped off a fine team move in acrobatic fashion against England at Twickenham in March, capitalising on excellent work from Jack Crowley and Caelan Doris before Ciaran Frawley provided the assist. Another flowing attack gave Italy full-back Lorenzo Pani space on the right wing against Wales a week later and he cut inside three would-be tacklers before hitting Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ celebration.
On the same day, a volleyed touch allowed France to attack England from deep in their own half. Gaël Fickou provided momentum before a sumptuous feint and pass from Léo Barré set up Nolann Le Garrec to score. Not to be outdone, Georgia’s Akaki Tabutsadze made the country’s run from one end of the pitch to the other against Australia in July. Receiving the ball behind his own try line, the winger took a long clearance and easily won the race to the bouncing ball to score at the other end of the pitch.
World Rugby Women’s Rugby Player of the Year
Pauline Bourdon Sansus (FRA)
Ellie Kildunne (ENG)
Alex Matthews (ENG)
Alex Tessier (CAN)
Two players from the English Red Roses, one from France and one from Canada, make up the list. Ellie Kildunne has become the face of John Mitchell’s England as they prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil, scoring 14 tries in just 10 Tests this year. Number eight Alex Matthews is not far behind her, however, and led England to victory in her first match as captain, against the USA in September. Pauline Bourdon Sansus, meanwhile, continues to be the driving force for France, starting eight of Les Bleues’ nine matches in 2024. A key part of Canada’s success in the World Rugby Pacific Four Series, Alex Tessier scored 22 points in WXV 1 as the hosts pushed England all the way.
Women’s International Rugby Union Players’ Try of the Year
Alyssa D’Incà (Italy v Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, April 20)
Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand v Australia, Pacific Four Series, May 25)
Maya Stewart (Australia v Wales, WXV, September 28)
Marine Ménager (France v Canada, WXV, September 29)
For a full list of all the nominees and the many awards follow this link: https://www.world.rugby/media-
