Antoine Dupont has etched his name into rugby history by becoming the first player ever to win both World Rugby’s Sevens and 15s Player of the Year awards, claiming the sevens honour at a glittering ceremony in Monaco following a remarkable transition that culminated in Olympic gold for France.

It's Antoine's world, we're just all living in it 🌍#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/r4kWOYkron

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 24, 2024

The 28-year-old French talisman, who previously claimed the 15s award in 2021, achieved what no male player had done before by excelling in both formats of the game. His bold decision to step away from the Six Nations to focus on the sevens programme paid spectacular dividends, as he played a pivotal role in ending France’s 19-year wait for SVNS series titles and securing their first-ever Olympic gold medal in the format.

The French captain’s impact on the shortened format was immediate and profound. Despite only participating in three SVNS tournaments, Dupont’s presence helped guide France to historic victories in Los Angeles and Madrid. However, it was at the Paris Olympics where his star shone brightest, delivering a masterclass performance in the gold medal match against Fiji, where he came off the bench at 7-7 to orchestrate a stunning 28-7 victory with two tries and a crucial assist.

France’s Antoine Dupont celebrates a try against Fiji in the gold medal final on day three of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 27 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

“Our mission was to position rugby sevens in the French rugby landscape, the Olympic landscape, and the international sporting landscape,” said French sevens coach Jérôme Daret, who was himself named World Rugby Coach of the Year for his role in the team’s success. The partnership between coach and player proved transformative for French rugby, with Dupont’s seamless adaptation to the sevens format helping to elevate the sport’s profile in France.

Dupont’s triumph in Monaco saw him edge out fellow Frenchman Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang and Ireland’s Terry Kennedy for the award, though the selection was not without controversy. Santiago Gomez Cora, Argentina’s sevens coach, had publicly questioned Dupont’s nomination, citing his limited appearances in the SVNS series. However, the Toulouse scrum-half’s decisive contributions in crucial moments, particularly during the Olympics, ultimately proved compelling to the judges.

MONACO, MONACO – NOVEMBER 24: Antoine Dupont of France, winner of the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC award, poses for a photograph with Maddison Levi of Australia, winner of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC award, during the World Rugby Awards on November 24, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – World Rugby/Getty Images)

The recognition completed a remarkable year for Dupont, who had already secured a domestic and European double with Toulouse before his sevens switch. After the Olympics, he made a successful return to the 15s format, helping France to a notable autumn series victory over New Zealand.
His selection in the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Dream Team alongside teammate Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang further underlined his impact on the shortened format, despite his relatively brief time in the discipline. The team also featured Selvyn Davids (South Africa), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Nathan Lawson (Australia), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fiji), and Matías Osadczuk (Argentina).

The historic achievement adds another chapter to Dupont’s growing legacy in French rugby, following his earlier recognition with the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian honour. His successful transition between formats not only showcases his exceptional versatility but also sets a new benchmark for what elite rugby players can achieve across different versions of the game.

As Dupont returns his focus to the 15s format ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, his groundbreaking achievement in Monaco stands as testament to his status as one of rugby’s most complete and versatile performers, capable of mastering any format of the game he turns his hand to.

Australian sevens sensation Maddison Levi has finally claimed the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award at the third attempt, capping off a record-breaking season that has redefined excellence in the shortened format of the game.

A golden trio ⭐️

Maddi Levi becomes the third Australian women to be crowned Women's Sevens Player of the Year#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/c8Vwr5dHLF

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 24, 2024

The 22-year-old try-scoring phenomenon, who had been nominated in both 2022 and 2023, edged out New Zealand’s formidable duo of Michaela Blyde and Jorja Miller to join an elite group of Australian winners alongside Charlotte Caslick and Emilee Cherry. Fittingly, Cherry was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame on the same evening in Monaco.

Levi’s ascension to the top individual honour comes after a remarkable campaign that saw her shatter virtually every try-scoring record in the sport. Her tally of 69 tries during the 2023-24 SVNS world series not only broke her own previous record but also established a new all-time mark across both men’s and women’s competitions, helping Australia secure the championship title in Madrid.

MONACO, MONACO – NOVEMBER 24: Antoine Dupont of France, winner of the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC award, poses for a photograph with Maddison Levi of Australia, winner of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC award, during the World Rugby Awards on November 24, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – World Rugby/Getty Images)

The Gold Coast native’s extraordinary scoring prowess continued at the Paris Olympics, where she crossed for an unprecedented 14 tries in a single Games, though Australia ultimately fell short of the podium in an agonising bronze medal match defeat to the USA.

“It’s been a big year,” Levi said after receiving her award in Monaco. Her understatement belies the magnitude of her achievements, with her career try-scoring tally now placing her second only to Charlotte Caslick in Australia’s all-time rankings – a remarkable feat considering she only made her debut in November 2021.

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 28: Maddison Levi of Team Australia runs with the ball during the Women’s Pool B match between Australia and South Africa on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The recognition comes at a crucial time for Australian rugby, with Levi having recently quashed rumours of a potential code switch to the NRLW. “Right now I’m obviously signed till 2026 and we haven’t won a gold medal with the Olympics yet, so I’m definitely not stepping away from this sport,” she declared in October, demonstrating her commitment to pursuing further glory in the sevens format.

Her selection in the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Dream Team of the Year alongside fellow stars Michaela Blyde, Jorja Miller, Olivia Apps, Kristi Kirshe, Ilona Maher, and Seraphine Okemba further underlines her status as one of the sport’s premier talents.

With the 2024-25 SVNS series set to begin in Dubai on November 30, Levi will have little time to rest on her laurels as she aims to maintain the extraordinary standards she has set. Given her trajectory and dedication to the sport, this first World Rugby award may well be just the beginning of an even more decorated career.

Nick Malouf, the esteemed Australian Sevens captain, has announced his retirement from the sport after an illustrious career spanning over a decade. The three-time Olympian has been a stalwart of the Australian team, making his debut in 2012 in Dubai and quickly establishing himself as a key player.

Thanks for everything, Moose 🫡@nickmalouf has announced his retirement.#Aussie7s pic.twitter.com/TUlri5LyEL

— Australia Sevens (@Aussie7s) August 23, 2024

Malouf’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. In 2015, he suffered a devastating ACL injury that threatened to derail his career. However, he bounced back and went on to represent Australia at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where the team reached the quarter-finals. Following a brief stint with Leicester Tigers in England, Malouf returned to the sevens fold, captaining Australia at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The 2021-22 season saw Malouf lead Australia to their maiden World Series title, a testament to his leadership skills and the team’s collective effort. He is part of an exclusive club of athletes who have played rugby sevens at all three Olympics to date. Despite a heartbreaking quarter-final exit in Tokyo and a fourth-place finish at the recent 2024 Paris Olympics, Malouf’s contributions to Australian rugby sevens cannot be overstated.

In a statement via social media, Malouf expressed his gratitude for the opportunities rugby has provided him. “There are so many things that I will treasure from my time playing rugby. The chance to travel the world, that feeling when you run out into a packed stadium, the celebrations in the sheds after a win, the challenges I’ve faced and had to overcome, the bonds you form with your mates as you grind through preseason, enjoying a beer after a tournament. Those are just a few.”

Malouf also thanked his coaches, teammates, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career. “To the Aussie 7s, you’ve become my second family, a third of my life has been spent in the team and so many of the happiest memories of my life have been in the jersey. To my team mates, you’re the ones who made my career as special as it was. A great bunch of guys who I can’t believe I was lucky enough to share the field with and now call my mates.”

Coach John Manenti praised Malouf’s contributions to the team, stating, “Nick has been an amazing leader and contributor to the 7s program. For years he’s driven this group and is the most successful Australian men’s 7s captain in terms of World Series wins, tournament wins & Olympic performance.”

Malouf’s impressive statistics speak for themselves. He played in 61 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series events, scoring 82 tries and amassing 410 points. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been instrumental in shaping the success of the Australian Sevens team.