In a historic turn of events, New Zealand's All Blacks and Black Ferns are absent from the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year shortlist, highlighting a seismic shift in global rugby power dynamics.
In what can be considered an unprecedented moment in the history of World Rugby, New Zealand is notably missing from the shortlist for the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year awards in both the men’s and women’s 15s categories. As a nation renowned for its rugby excellence, the absence of the All Blacks and Black Ferns has created a stir throughout the rugby community, prompting discussions about the shifting power dynamics within the sport on a global scale.
The men's shortlist includes three standout players from South Africa’s World Cup-winning team: Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Etzebeth has showcased his exceptional skills in the lineout, Kolbe has thrilled fans with his electrifying runs, and Du Toit has demonstrated remarkable all-around ability. Du Toit notably aims to make history as the first South African to win this award twice, having previously taken it home in 2019. Completing the quartet is Ireland’s Caelan Doris, whose impactful contributions were crucial to their Grand Slam triumph, highlighting the northern hemisphere's increasing prominence in the sport.
The nominees for the women’s 15s category also showcase a global representation, featuring England’s Ellie Kildunne and Alex Matthews, France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus, and Canada’s Alex Tessier. This selection highlights the increasing diversity and competitiveness within the women’s game. However, the omission of star player Katelyn Vaha’akolo from the Black Ferns has sparked discussion, especially considering her outstanding try-scoring achievements in 2024. For New Zealand, a country that has historically dominated women’s rugby, this absence is particularly notable.
Antoine Dupont of France, who has already established himself as a prominent figure in the 15s format, is further solidifying his legacy in rugby history. After winning the 15s Player of the Year award in 2021, Dupont has effortlessly moved to the sevens format, guiding Les Bleus to victory at the Olympic Games in Paris. He is now on the brink of becoming the first man to win both the 15s and sevens Player of the Year honors. Dupont will have to contend with tough competition from his teammate Aaron Grandidier Nkanang and Ireland’s Terry Kennedy, who was the standout winner in 2022. If he succeeds, Dupont will join New Zealand's Portia Woodman as the only players to accomplish this extraordinary feat.
The World Rugby Awards are scheduled for 24 November in Monaco and will honor outstanding achievements across eight different categories, ranging from individual player awards to the prestigious Try of the Year accolades. Additionally, fans are encouraged to participate in the voting process, with online voting for the Try of the Year categories available until 20 November.
The lack of New Zealand on the shortlist indicates a possible change in the balance of power within rugby. Although it may be easy to interpret this as a sign of decline, it can also be viewed as evidence of the sport's growing global competitiveness. As established powerhouses encounter stronger competition from rising nations, the landscape of elite rugby is expanding more than ever.
With the awards on the horizon, attention will turn to whether the emerging talents of rugby can persist in transforming the sport— or if the established powerhouses will regain their supremacy. One thing is clear for now: the level of competition has reached unprecedented heights.
In what can be considered an unprecedented moment in the history of World Rugby, New Zealand is notably missing from the shortlist for the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year awards in both the men’s and women’s 15s categories. As a nation renowned for its rugby excellence, the absence of the All Blacks and Black Ferns has created a stir throughout the rugby community, prompting discussions about the shifting power dynamics within the sport on a global scale.
The men's shortlist includes three standout players from South Africa’s World Cup-winning team: Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Etzebeth has showcased his exceptional skills in the lineout, Kolbe has thrilled fans with his electrifying runs, and Du Toit has demonstrated remarkable all-around ability. Du Toit notably aims to make history as the first South African to win this award twice, having previously taken it home in 2019. Completing the quartet is Ireland’s Caelan Doris, whose impactful contributions were crucial to their Grand Slam triumph, highlighting the northern hemisphere's increasing prominence in the sport.
The nominees for the women’s 15s category also showcase a global representation, featuring England’s Ellie Kildunne and Alex Matthews, France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus, and Canada’s Alex Tessier. This selection highlights the increasing diversity and competitiveness within the women’s game. However, the omission of star player Katelyn Vaha’akolo from the Black Ferns has sparked discussion, especially considering her outstanding try-scoring achievements in 2024. For New Zealand, a country that has historically dominated women’s rugby, this absence is particularly notable.
Antoine Dupont of France, who has already established himself as a prominent figure in the 15s format, is further solidifying his legacy in rugby history. After winning the 15s Player of the Year award in 2021, Dupont has effortlessly moved to the sevens format, guiding Les Bleus to victory at the Olympic Games in Paris. He is now on the brink of becoming the first man to win both the 15s and sevens Player of the Year honors. Dupont will have to contend with tough competition from his teammate Aaron Grandidier Nkanang and Ireland’s Terry Kennedy, who was the standout winner in 2022. If he succeeds, Dupont will join New Zealand's Portia Woodman as the only players to accomplish this extraordinary feat.
The World Rugby Awards are scheduled for 24 November in Monaco and will honor outstanding achievements across eight different categories, ranging from individual player awards to the prestigious Try of the Year accolades. Additionally, fans are encouraged to participate in the voting process, with online voting for the Try of the Year categories available until 20 November.
The lack of New Zealand on the shortlist indicates a possible change in the balance of power within rugby. Although it may be easy to interpret this as a sign of decline, it can also be viewed as evidence of the sport's growing global competitiveness. As established powerhouses encounter stronger competition from rising nations, the landscape of elite rugby is expanding more than ever.
With the awards on the horizon, attention will turn to whether the emerging talents of rugby can persist in transforming the sport— or if the established powerhouses will regain their supremacy. One thing is clear for now: the level of competition has reached unprecedented heights.
