2024 is almost at the end and it was one for the history books for the sport of Rugby in Australia.
From droughts broken, clubs exiting Super Rugby and a new era for the Wallabies, it was a frantic year from start to end.
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Rugby.com.au has covered it from every angle, with over 2,200 articles appearing on the site over the past 12 months.
With this in mind, here is the second part of our top stories from the year that was
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6. Sevens take over Spain
The Australian Women’s Sevens side added a further title to their silverware after taking out a thrilling SVNS Grand Final.
Tim Walsh’s side entered as the second seed after their lead on account of back-to-back wins to finish 2023 was eroded by rivals New Zealand.
They went title-less in the regular season in 2024 before turning up when it mattered the best to dump out the Kiwis in a blockbuster semi-final.
Tia Hinds proved the hero as she kicked the winning drop goal conversion to take down the Black Ferns.
This was followed by a dominant win over France to prevent Les Blues from claiming the double.
5. A rollercoaster Olympics
The Australian sides suffered similar fates in a rollercoaster week of Sevens action at the Paris Olympics.
The Men kicked off Australia’s Olympic campaign before the opening ceremony and rolled into the semi-finals with two brilliant days of action.
They were outclassed by Fiji in the semis before a controversial red card and late charge saw them go down to South Africa in the battle for bronze.
Meanwhile, the Women looked on for another shot at a gold medal after dominant wins to start the competition.
However, it all came crashing down on an emotional final day.
They let a strong lead slip against Canada in the semi-finals before going down to the USA in the bronze medal.
The loss arguably led to the creation of Rugby’s biggest star in 2024 – Ilona Maher – but it’s little console for an Australian side still bearing the scars and hurt from a day to forget in Saint-Denis.
4. The Rebels exit Super Rugby
The situation of the Melbourne Rebels overshadowed Super Rugby for the majority of the season as the club entered administration.
In January 2024, the Rebels were placed in voluntary administration, with over $22 million in debt owing to creditors.
The year would the financial situation of the club take centre stage with one financial analysis suggesting they lost $54 million in their 14 year history.
The Rebels defied the noise and produced their best ever seen to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
Unfortunately, it would be their last game as they were removed from the competition due to the debt.
3. Enter Suaalii
All eyes were on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s Rugby dream and it boy did it deliver.
Suaalii was thrown straight into the Test line-up to the surprise of many, starting in the centres at the home of English Rugby.
He looked right at home as he set up the first try to Tom Wright and dazzled the crowd.
However, it was another wunderkind that took centre stage at the end of the game.
Max Jorgensen raced away down the sidelines for the winner well after the siren to break the hearts of the English and subsequently energies Wallabies fans across the world.
2. Historic title
The Wallaroos’ effort in South Africa narrowly misses out on top spot after the Australian side claimed WXV 2, their first ever trophy in their 30 year anniversary.
The significance of the trophy can not be lost as Jo Yapp’s side swept through South Africa, Wales and Scotland for their maiden silverware.
It came after a lean home Pac Four series saw them drop out of the top tier of WXV and when they went down to Ireland and Wales to start the tour, hopes of taking the title began to waiver.
However, the three-week period has the potential to be the turning point for the history of the side if they can kick on into 2025.
They were at their brilliant best and recorded one of their longest winning streaks, ensuring they enter next year’s World Cup as a team to watch.
1. Joe Schmidt signs as Wallabies coach
It was a tight decision but the magnitude of what Joe Schmidt has achieved can not be understated.
Schmidt’s appointment was confirmed at the start of the year and he started with a bang, burying the World Cup demons against Wales in a clean sweep before defeating Georgia.
The Rugby Championship was less than ideal outside of a gutsy win in Argentina but it was the Spring Tour which saw Schmidt’s side take the Rugby world’s attention.
An after-the-siren over England and Wales had fans dreaming of a Grand Slam and whilst it didn’t come to fruition, a narrow loss to Ireland proved they were for real.
It’s one of the most sudden changes in year-to-year form in the history of the team
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