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In a remarkable showcase of talent, South Africa’s keen rugby stars Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Cheslin Kolbe have been nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year award, forming a formidable Springboks-dominated shortlist. However, the nomination panel controversially overlooked fellow South African teammate Ox Nche, who was widely considered a deserving candidate.
Despite Ox Nche’s exceptional performance throughout the year at the international level, he has been edged out by his Springboks colleagues and Ireland’s standout player, Caelan Doris. Historically, no prop has ever secured a nomination for this esteemed individual accolade, which has been recognizing rugby excellence since its inception in 2001.
The women’s 15s award sees the Red Roses’ Alex Matthews and Ellie Kildunne leading the nominations, joined by Canada’s dynamic playmaker Alex Tessier and French scrum half Pauline Bourdon Sansus, showcasing an exciting array of talent in women’s rugby.
Meanwhile, Antoine Dupont is making waves in the running for the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award, a testament to his pivotal role in steering France toward Olympic gold at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
All Blacks sensation Wallace Sititi has emerged as the frontrunner for the Breakthrough Player award, although he faces stiff competition from South Africa’s budding star, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Ellie Kildunne is currently favored to capture the title of Women’s Player of the Year, reflecting her standout performances and contributions to her team’s success (PA Wire).
The Springboks have not only experienced success with an illustrious first Rugby Championship victory since 2019 but have also kicked off their November tour with impressive wins against both Scotland and England, further solidifying their reputation on the world stage.
Kolbe’s dazzling performance during Saturday’s match at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, likely enhances his prospects for individual recognition. Yet, he remains humble, emphasizing that team success far outweighs personal accolades.
“To win World Player of the Year would be special, but that’s not anywhere close to my mind,” he candidly expressed to The Independent on the eve of South Africa’s Autumn Nations Series matches. “I’m not doing this to be an individual; I’m focused on doing whatever it takes for the team to be better. I want to wear that jersey with pride and make the most of this experience.”
The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at a glamorous ceremony set to take place in Monaco on Sunday, November 24th.
WORLD RUGBY AWARDS 2024 | NOMINEES
MEN’S 15s
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (RSA)
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (ENG)
- Jamie Osborne (IRE)
- Wallace Sititi (NZL)
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
- Caelan Doris (IRE)
- Eben Etzebeth (RSA)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (RSA)
- Cheslin Kolbe (RSA)
International Rugby Players Men’s 15s 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)
WOMEN’S 15S
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
- Caitlyn Halse (AUS)
- Maddie Feaunati (ENG)
- Erin King (IRE)
- Hannah King (NZL)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
- Pauline Bourdon Sansus (FRA)
- Ellie Kildunne (ENG)
- Alex Matthews (ENG)
- Alex Tessier (CAN)
International Rugby Players Women’s 15s Try of the Year
- Alyssa D’Incà (Italy v Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, 20 April)
- Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand v Australia, Pacific Four Series, 25 May)
- Maya Stewart (Australia v Wales, WXV, 28 September)
- Marine Ménager (France v Canada, WXV, 29 September)
SEVENS
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- Antoine Dupont (FRA)
- Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (FRA)
- Terry Kennedy (IRE)
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- Michaela Blyde (NZL)
- Maddison Levi (AUS)
- Jorja Miller (NZL)
Other categories with winners announced on 24 November
- International Rugby Players Special Merit Award
- World Rugby Coach of the Year
- World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year
- World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year
- World Rugby Women’s Sevens Dream Team of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- World Rugby Men’s Sevens Dream Team of the Year in partnership with HSBC
How does Sam Williams assess Ellie Kildunne’s impact on her team during the season leading to the Women’s Player of the Year nomination?
**Interview with Rugby Analyst Sam Williams on World Rugby Awards Nominees**
**Editor:** Today, we have rugby analyst Sam Williams joining us to discuss the recent nominations for the World Rugby Awards. Welcome, Sam!
**Sam Williams:** Thanks for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s start with the Men’s 15s Player of the Year nominations. South Africa has a strong presence this year with Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Cheslin Kolbe. What do you think about their chances?
**Sam Williams:** They all possess incredible talent and have made significant contributions to the Springboks’ success this year. Kolbe’s recent performances, especially in the match against England, really highlight his prowess. It’s a strong shortlist, and I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them takes home the award.
**Editor:** There’s been some controversy surrounding Ox Nche’s omission from the nominations. What are your thoughts on that?
**Sam Williams:** It’s quite surprising, especially considering how well he performed throughout the year. Many analysts thought he would at least make the shortlist given the pivotal role he played for the Springboks. It raises questions about selection criteria, particularly since no prop has ever won this accolade. It seems like the panel skewed towards players in more visually impactful positions.
**Editor:** Now shifting to the women’s side, the nominees include Alex Matthews and Ellie Kildunne. What stands out about Kildunne’s season?
**Sam Williams:** Ellie Kildunne has had phenomenal performances, and her ability to change the game was evident in several matches. She’s really become a key player for her team, and the momentum she has could propel her to win the Women’s Player of the Year award.
**Editor:** Speaking of other categories, Antoine Dupont is in contention for the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year. How significant is his role for the French team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics?
**Sam Williams:** Dubbed a game-changer, Dupont’s contributions to the Sevens format have been invaluable. His leadership and on-field abilities are vital as France gears up for the Olympics. Winning this award would further solidify his stature as a top player globally.
**Editor:** As we look ahead to the awards ceremony in Monaco, what do you think will be on the minds of the nominees?
**Sam Williams:** For many, including Kolbe, it’s about the team rather than individual recognition. They recognize that success is a collective effort. Still, the awards are an opportunity to celebrate exceptional talent, and I expect a lot of camaraderie and sportsmanship amidst some friendly competition.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sam! It will be exciting to see how it all unfolds at the ceremony on November 24th.
**Sam Williams:** Absolutely! I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for having me!
