Pieter-Steph du Toit has once again etched his name into rugby history, winning the prestigious 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year award at the annual World Rugby Awards in Monaco. The 32-year-old Springbok flanker claimed the accolade for the second time, having first received the honor in 2019.
Du Toit beat stiff competition from his teammates Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe, as well as Ireland’s Caelan Doris, to take home the award, succeeding 2023 winner Ardie Savea of New Zealand.
A Legacy Cemented
Having been a key player in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, Du Toit continued his stellar form in 2024. He was instrumental in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship triumph—South Africa’s first in five years—where the team finished with an impressive five wins from six matches.
Du Toit also played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ dominant November tour, which saw them notch emphatic victories over Scotland, Wales, and England at Twickenham.
With 86 international caps to his name, Du Toit now joins an elite group of players, including Beauden Barrett, Richie McCaw, and Dan Carter, as multiple winners of the Player of the Year award.
Awards Recap: Springbok and Global Rugby Excellence
While Du Toit’s win was the headline of the evening, seven Springboks made the Men’s Dream Team of the Year: Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jesse Kriel, and Cheslin Kolbe.
The night wasn’t without its disappointments for South African fans, as Rassie Erasmus was overlooked for the Coach of the Year award, which went to France Sevens coach Jerome Daret.
Other notable winners included:
- Ellie Kildunne (England) for Women’s 15-a-side Player of the Year.
- Wallace Sititi (All Blacks) for Breakthrough Player of the Year, edging out rookie Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
- Antoine Dupont (France) for Sevens Player of the Year, becoming the first to win both the 15-a-side and Sevens awards.
Springbok Dominance and Global Rugby’s Future
The Springboks’ strong presence at the World Rugby Awards underscores their dominance on the global stage, with Du Toit’s second Player of the Year award highlighting his exceptional contribution to the team’s success.
As South African rugby looks toward the future, the night’s results reaffirm the Springboks’ place among rugby’s elite while setting the stage for the stars of tomorrow to shine.
