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.

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.

In a surprising move that could significantly impact Australia’s medal chances at the upcoming Paris Olympics, Brumbies flyer Corey Toole is reportedly set to join the national sevens squad. According to an exclusive report from The Roar, Toole is expected to link up with the sevens program instead of joining Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies for the July Tests against Wales and Georgia.

Toole’s inclusion would provide a massive boost to Australia’s hopes of medalling in the highly competitive sevens field. The 23-year-old’s speed and finishing ability could give the men in gold a crucial point of difference. They have consistently been in the finals mix but have lacked genuine gas without Toole’s presence.

Toole’s impressive performances in the 2021-22 season saw him score 43 tries and win the World Series Rookie of the Year award. His top speed, measured at 10.3 metres per second (37.08km/h) in 2024, combined with his ability to change direction while maintaining pace, has made him a standout in Australian rugby.

Toole’s stunning tries against the Rebels, Chiefs, and Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific this year led many pundits to tip him for a Wallabies debut in July. Former Wallabies playmaker Matt To’omua told The Roar, “Yeah, I could see him play for the Wallabies. I don’t think that’s a big statement. He’s got some genuine gas, genuine speed.”

However, with Toole not guaranteed a starting spot for the Wallabies, it is believed that Schmidt may have encouraged the Brumbies flyer to pursue Olympic selection and then return to challenge for a Test spot. This decision could prove beneficial for both the men’s sevens program and the Wallabies in the long run.

Toole’s potential return to sevens has been a topic of discussion for some time. In an article from Rugby Pass in February, Toole acknowledged that he had had conversations with Rugby Australia about a potential return, stating, “It could be a possibility, I’ve had a couple of chats. Nothing too serious just yet, it’s a long time away, it’s four months away, so we’re just focusing on the season ahead.”

Australia sevens coach John Manenti has expressed his desire to have Toole back in the fold, declaring that the speedster could be one of the world’s best three players if he prioritized the sevens code.

Toole is expected to join Manenti’s sevens side in Fiji, alongside World Cup Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is also pushing for Olympic selection. As Australian rugby seeks a much-needed boost, Toole’s decision to pursue an Olympic dream could prove to be a win-win for both the sevens program and the Wallabies in the long run.