With 2019 finally coming to an end, we look back on what an epic year of rugby it has been. From Grand Slams, to Rugby World Cups to Beluga Whales. Below we have highlighted some of the biggest and best rugby moments to finish off the decade in style.
Guinness 6 Nations
The Guinness Six Nations as always kicked off the year in style. With Wales storming ahead and taking the Grand Slam for the first time in 7 years. Their low try tally meant nothing as they stole the show using their impressive defensive tactics coached for the last time by Warren Gatland. The perfect Rugby World Cup 2019 preparation.
Rugby World Cup
For the first time ever, Rugby World Cup headed to Asia for what was a monumental tournament. England's astonishing performance in the semi finals will go down in history as the All Blacks faced a RWC defeat for the first time in 12 years.
Another shout out has to go to Uruguay who made their first RWC win since 2003 after beating Fiji in the pool stages.
However when it came to crunch time, no one could take the impressive victory away from South Africa who took home their 3rd RWC win, putting them now equal with New Zealand.
Rugby Championship
The annual southern hemisphere championship between Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa took on a shortened format in 2019 due to Rugby World Cup.
South Africa reigned victorious, completing the 2019 championship unbeaten with 2 victories and a draw against the All Blacks in Wellington.
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series
As ever, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series presented a spectacular display of rugby across the globe concluding in France for the final phase.
In the men's series, Fiji just pipped the USA to the title, largely thanks to winning the final two legs of the series in London and Paris. New Zealand reclaimed the women's series title from Australia with the USA again finishing as runners-up.
Domestic Game
In England, Saracens were crowned champions of the inaugural Gallagher Premiership Rugby season.
Social Highlights
Who can forget the famous Beluga Whale? What an epic way to end the RWC 2019 Campaign...
COMMON NAME: Beluga Whale
— Gilbert Rugby 🏉 (@GILBERT_RUGBY) November 8, 2019
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
SIZE: 13 to 20 feet
WEIGHT: 1 to 1.5 tons
FAVOURITE SPORT: RUGBY. pic.twitter.com/IFDpcnf9pk
