Du Toit Named World Rugby Player Of The Year
Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit has been crowned World Rugby Player of the Year for 2024.
The versatile forward, who can also play as a flanker, outshined his Springbok teammates Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth, as well as Ireland’s Caelan Doris to claim the prestigious award.
Du Toit played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship triumph, notably contributing to their historic victories over New Zealand for the first time since 2009. This was the first time the Boks had claimed the Rugby Championship since 2019.
This is the second time du Toit has won this award, having previously been honored in 2019, the year the Springboks lifted the Rugby World Cup.
The tireless workhorse was the most-used Springbok player this year and was instrumental in their Rugby World Cup defense. His record-breaking 38 tackles in the final against New Zealand earned him the Player of the Match award.
Du Toit succeeds New Zealand’s Ardie Savea as World Rugby Player of the Year.
The Springboks enjoyed a successful 2024, winning 11 of their 13 matches. Their only defeats were narrow losses to Ireland and Argentina. They also achieved a clean sweep in the Autumn Nations Series, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since 2013.
As a result of their impressive performances, the Springboks maintained their number one ranking in the world.
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[…] Toit, who scored a crucial try in the Boks’ victory over England last weekend, made history by becoming the first South African to win the World Men’s 15s Player of the Year…. The versatile flanker, who can also play lock, previously won the award in 2019 when the […]