NOV 25,(V7N) - Pieter-Steph du Toit was named Rugby World Player of the Year for the second time at the ceremony in Monaco on Sunday. The South African flanker, who previously won the prestigious award in 2019, joins an elite group of players—Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, and Beauden Barrett—as the only men to claim the title twice. Du Toit was instrumental in South Africa's Rugby Championship victory, their first in five years, and played a key role in the Springboks’ clean sweep over Scotland, England, and Wales during the Autumn series.

In the women's category, Ellie Kildunne of England was named World Rugby Women's Player of the Year. The fullback was a standout in an undefeated England team, helping them win the Six Nations and WXV 1 titles in 2024.

Antoine Dupont, already a recognized star in the 15s game, earned his first Sevens Player of the Year award after contributing to France's Olympic gold on home soil. He becomes the first player to win both the 15s and sevens titles. Maddison Levi of Australia claimed the women's sevens award after an incredible season, including a record 14 tries at the Olympics and 69 tries in the SVNS 2024 series—second only in history.

Jerome Daret, Dupont’s sevens coach, was named Coach of the Year, becoming the first coach of a sevens team to win the accolade.

The Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year was awarded to Wallace Sititi of New Zealand, following a remarkable debut season, while Erin King of Ireland earned the Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year after her successful transition from sevens to 15s post-Paris Olympics.

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