2024 Rugby Highlights: The Must‑See Moments

2024 has been a wild ride for rugby fans. Whether you live for the roar of a stadium or just scroll for the best clips, we’ve pulled together the games that had everyone talking. From the fast‑paced Six Nations battles in Europe to the fierce down‑under clashes, here’s a quick guide to the season’s biggest highlights.

European Action: Six Nations & Club Battles

The Six Nations delivered drama from start to finish. Ireland’s nail‑biter against Wales in Dublin set the tone – a last‑minute try clinched a 28‑27 win and put Ireland back on top. France showed why they’re the new powerhouse, thumping England 31‑12 in a match that swung the championship in their favor. Scotland’s gritty comeback against Italy, turning a 12‑0 deficit into a 24‑21 victory, reminded everyone that perseverance pays off.

Club rugby wasn’t any quieter. The European Champions Cup final saw Leinster outplay Toulouse with a brilliant defensive stand in the dying minutes, sealing a 22‑19 win. In the United Rugby Championship, the Stormers surprised the league by beating the traditional giants, Shaking up the playoff picture and proving that Southern Hemisphere flair can dominate even on European soil.

Down‑Under Drama: Rugby Championship & Super Rugby

The Rugby Championship kept the southern giants on their toes. New Zealand’s All Blacks suffered a shocking loss to South Africa in Wellington, 27‑24, after a risky off‑side call nullified a potential winning try. That defeat sparked a fierce response in the next round, with the Springboks crushing Australia 35‑10 in Sydney – a performance that reminded the world why they’re the defending world champions.

Super Rugby Pacific added another layer of excitement. The Chiefs’ comeback against the Crusaders, overturning a 19‑point deficit to win 32‑27, will be replayed in highlight reels for months. Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua’s first‑ever semi‑final appearance, thanks to a last‑minute drop goal, gave the competition a fresh story of underdogs rising.

Beyond the men’s game, women’s rugby shone bright. The Women’s Six Nations saw England secure a Grand Slam with a dominant 41‑7 victory over Scotland, while Wales upset Ireland in a close 22‑19 fight, signaling that the gap is closing fast. The World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai delivered high‑octane action, with South Africa clinching the title after a dramatic final try in the dying seconds.

Top players also left their mark. Ireland’s James Lowe dazzled with a record‑tying five tries in the Wales clash. South Africa’s Siya Kolisi led by example, delivering a game‑changing tackle that turned the tide against New Zealand. And women’s star Marlie Packer anchored England’s line, earning Player of the Match in the Grand Slam finale.

So whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just catching up, these highlights capture the heart‑pounding moments that defined 2024. Keep this page bookmarked – the best bits are here, and the next great game is always just around the corner.