To say 2023 was an eventful year in Rugby is an understatement.
There was a rollercoaster of action on and off the field as Rugby dominated the headlines.
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From world-class action, controversy and last-minute drama, this year had it all and more.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au crunches the numbers and breaks down the top stories from 2023, starting from 12-7.
12. Razor’s final breakdance
Scott Robertson ended his time as Crusaders coach with a bang, celebrating their second straight Super Rugby Pacific title.
Robertson knows how to get the best out of his side at the right time, defeating minor premiers Chiefs in Hamilton for their 12th title.
It caps off a remarkable legacy for the former Crusader as he heads onto bigger tasks, appointed as the All Blacks coach for 2024.
11. Guiding the future
In terms of impactful storylines of 2023, the appointment of Peter Horne as Head of High Performance may be considered one of the most influential in the future.
Horne is an experienced operator after 14 years working with World Rugby growing the game and looms as the perfect person to set the game up for years to come.
Coupled this with the return of David Nucifora as an advisor and it leaves the game in great hands. Nucifora is the main man behind Ireland's rise and the poster person behind aligning the game.
10. Welcome back Sevens
The World Series made a welcomed return to Australia after several COVID-affected seasons.
Sydney embraced the format as the multicultural nature of the city shone through the passionate Fijians and boisterous Irish.
At the end of the day, the New Zealanders were the ones last smiling as they produced the double whilst Australia went out in the quarter-finals in both competitions.
However, the exciting scenes was enough to ensure Australia’s place on the new look SVNS series for the future.
9. Wallaroos payments
Rugby Australia introduced the first contracting system for the Wallaroos as part of an increased investment into the game.
The tiered system was part of the new CBA as the players were offered part-time contracts for the first time ever.
Discussions would continue to dominate headlines later in the year after the team produced a united statement in August for a ‘lack of investment and respect’ for the women’s game.
This has led to further conversations between the organisation and the team, with a full-time coach appointed for the first time in 2024.
8. Dubai dominance
Australia’s Women's side got their SVNS World Series campaign with back-to-back titles to finish the year.
In doing so, it continues their stronghold over the UAE competition with Australia's fourth straight Dubai title in a thriller over New Zealand before backing it up in Cape Town.
Young guns Teagan Levi and Bienne Terita have stepped up and turned into superstars, leaving Tim Walsh’s side as an early favourite for Paris gold.
The Men are close behind them after their second-place finish in Cape Town, set to welcome a host of stars along with Michael Hooper.
7. World Cup kicks off in style
France-New Zealand set the tempo perfectly for what would be a brilliant World Cup tournament at the Stade de France.
It was a great sign of what was to come: world class Rugby played in front of a French crowd obsessed with the tournament and creating an atmosphere like no other.
The French came away with the victory at the end of the day but ultimately were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions South Africa.
CHECK BACK ON FRIDAY FOR THE TOP SIX STORIES OF 2023
