“World Rugby Awards 2023: Complete Winners List & Rassie Erasmus Controversy Explained”
The World Rugby Awards occurred in Monaco on Sunday, honoring top players from 2024.
Pieter-Steph du Toit of South Africa won the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award. Ellie Kildunne of England received the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award.
Du Toit, a two-time winner, previously won in 2019. He surpassed fellow South African players Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe, as well as Ireland’s Caelan Doris.
Kildunne was recognized for her outstanding performances with the Red Roses. She edged out teammate Alex Matthews, along with France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Canada’s Alex Tessier.
Best Young Players
Wallace Sititi of New Zealand was named the Men’s Breakthrough Player after impressing during his first Test season. He became an essential player in the All Blacks’ back-row.
In women’s rugby, Erin King of Ireland won the Breakthrough Player award, standing out among nominees Maddie Feaunati, Caitlyn Halse, and Hannah King.
Antoine Dupont from France, although limited in international XVs, won the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year after leading his team to Olympic gold.
Coach of the Year
Jérôme Daret of France won the Coach of the Year award. He led the French women’s sevens team to a series title and Olympic success.
Rassie Erasmus, coach of the Springboks, was overlooked despite significant achievements this year.
Maddison Levi of Australia won the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year, shining during the SVNS Series, despite the team’s Olympic challenges.
Awards Summary
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
Winner: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Nominees: Caelan Doris (Ireland), Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
Winner: Ellie Kildunne (England)
Nominees: Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France), Alex Matthews (England), Alex Tessier (Canada)
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year
Winner: Antoine Dupont (France)
Nominees: Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (France), Terry Kennedy (Ireland)
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year
Winner: Maddison Levi (Australia)
Nominees: Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Jorja Miller (New Zealand)
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Winner: Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)
Nominees: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England), Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Winner: Erin King (Ireland)
Nominees: Maddie Feaunati (England), Caitlyn Halse (Australia), Hannah King (New Zealand)
International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year
Winner: Nolann Le Garrec (France, v England, Men’s Six Nations, 17 March)
Nominees: James Lowe (Ireland, v England), Lorenzo Pani (Italy, v Wales), Akaki Tabutsadze (Georgia, v Australia)
International Rugby Players Women’s Try of the Year
Winner: Marine Ménager (France, v Canada, WXV 1, 29 September)
International Rugby Players Special Merit Award
Winner: Vickii Cornborough (England)
World Rugby Coach of the Year
Winner: Jérôme Daret (France)