Rugby in 2024: A Year of Memorable Highlights and Remarkable Stats
The year 2024 proved to be anything but ordinary for rugby. Following a World Cup year, rugby fans were treated to an action-packed calendar featuring eye-opening performances at the Test and club levels. From thrilling Olympic moments to dominant national teams and rising stars, here’s a detailed look back at some of the most notable highlights and statistics of the year.
Olympic Games: Rugby Sevens Shines on the Global Stage
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games captivated the world, with Rugby Sevens playing a starring role:
- 500,000 tickets sold: Fans flocked to the events, including record-breaking daily attendances of 69,000 for the men’s opening day and 66,000 for the women’s games.
- 389 tries scored: The men’s tournament accounted for 180 tries, while the women’s tournament delivered an impressive 209.
- Two new medalists: France’s men secured their first-ever Sevens gold, led by Antoine Dupont, while the USA women claimed bronze under the leadership of Ilona Maher.
- Individual brilliance: Maddison Levi of Australia scored 14 tries, amassing 70 points for her team, despite finishing fourth.
- 35 million viewers: Ireland’s Erin King lifting teammate Emily Lane in a show of strength became a viral sensation, drawing massive global attention.
- Social media star: USA’s Ilona Maher emerged as rugby’s most-followed player, with over 4 million Instagram followers following her Olympic exploits and media appearances.
The Year of the Springboks: South Africa Dominates
2024 was a continuation of excellence for the Springboks, who followed their World Cup triumph with an impressive run:
- 84% win rate: South Africa won 11 of their 13 Tests, showcasing a mix of their traditional power and new attacking flair introduced by coach Tony Brown.
- 451 points scored: The Boks averaged 34.7 points per game, scoring 57 tries across the season. Makazole Mapimpi led with six tries, closely followed by Aphelele Fassi and Kurt-Lee Arendse with five each.
- 50 players capped: Twelve debutants were included, with veteran Wilco Louw making his return.
- Trophies galore: The Springboks secured their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 and achieved a clean sweep in their November Tests for the first time in a decade.
Breakthrough Stars: Rising Talent on Display
Three young players left their mark on the international stage and were nominated for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year:
- Wallace Sititi (New Zealand): Played 10 matches with a 70% win rate.
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa): Contributed 52 points in eight games.
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England): Scored five tries in his debut season.
All three players are under 22, signaling a bright future ahead.
Growing Powers in the International Game
- Argentina: The Pumas had their best-ever Rugby Championship, winning three matches and defeating all three opponents for the first time. They also inflicted a record 67-27 defeat on Australia.
- Italy: Under coach Gonzalo Quesada, Italy impressed in the Six Nations with two wins and a draw. They scored 94 points, a significant improvement from previous campaigns.
Club Rugby: Toulouse’s Historic Double
Toulouse dominated the club scene, achieving an incredible double by winning both the Top 14 title and the Champions Cup:
- 72% win rate: They won 26 of their 36 matches across competitions.
- 117 tries scored: Toulouse displayed attacking brilliance, including 14 tries during playoff matches.
- Record-breaking victory: Their 59-3 win over Bordeaux in the Top 14 final marked the biggest margin in history.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 approaches, rugby fans are eager to see if teams like South Africa can maintain their dominance, whether emerging powers will continue to rise, and which new stars will shine on the world stage. 2024 was undeniably a year to remember, setting the bar high for what’s to come.