2024 end-of-year rugby union internationals explained

The 2024 end-of-year rugby union internationals (also known as the autumn internationals in the Northern Hemisphere) are international rugby union matches that will be mostly played in the Northern Hemisphere during the November international window.

Fixtures

October

Notes:

• Opeti Helu, Takuro Matsunaga (both Japan), Peter Lakai and Ruben Love (both New Zealand) made their international debuts.^[1]

2 November

Notes:

• New Zealand retained the Hillary Shield.

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• Scotland earned their biggest winning margin over Fiji, surpassing their 37-point difference (54–17) set in 2018.
• Tom Jordan (Scotland), Waqa Nalaga and Kemu Valetini (both Fiji) made their international debuts.^[3]

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5 November

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8/9/10 November

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• Sunia Fameitau and Maxwell Threlkeld (both Hong Kong) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• Chile recorded their largest ever winning margin over Canada, and won back-to-back matches against them for the first time.
• Noah Flesch (Canada) and Norman Aguayo (Chile) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• Pablo Guirao (Spain), Ícaro Amarillo and Juan González (both Uruguay) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• Australia won at Twickenham Stadium for the first time since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and claimed the Ella-Mobbs Trophy for the first time since 2012.^[6]
• Joseph Sua'ali'i (Australia) made his international debut.^[7]

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Notes:

• Virgil Ghenea, Florian Roșu (both Romania), Duane Aholelei, Justin Mataele and Siaosi Nginingini (all Tonga) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• António Campos, Santiago Lopes (both Portugal), Tomás Casares, Shilo Klein and Erich Storti (all United States) made their international debuts.^[8]

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----Notes:

• Grégory Alldritt (France) earned his 50th test cap.
• Tevita Tatafu (France) made his international debut.^[9]
• Damian Penaud (France) was originally named to start at right wing, but withdrew the day of the match due to illness. He was replaced in the starting line-up by Théo Attissogbé.^[10]

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----Notes:

• Fiji won a test match away in Wales for the first time in their history.^[12]
• Fiji defeated Wales for only the second time across 15 tests, and the first time since the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
• Wales equalled the worst losing streak in their history, matching the record of 10 consecutive test defeats set in 2002–2003.^[13]
• Blair Murray (Wales) made his international debut.^[14]
• Semi Radradra (Fiji) became the first player ever to receive a 20-minute red card in a test match. He was sent off in the 21st minute, and replaced in the 41st minute by Sireli Maqala.^[15]

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Notes:

• Kwagga Smith (South Africa) earned his 50th test cap.
• Scott Cummings (Scotland) received a 20-minute red card in the 10th minute of the match. He was replaced in the 30th minute by Max Williamson.^[17]

15/16/17 November

Notes:

• Ireland retained the Admiral Brown Cup.
• Tom Clarkson, Sam Prendergast (both Ireland) and Justo Piccardo (Argentina) made their international debuts.^[19]
• Cian Healy made his 133rd international appearance, equalling Ireland's all-time test cap record (tied with Brian O'Driscoll).^[20]

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Notes:

• Nicolas Azevedo, Théo Bastardie and Hélder Bryan Lúcio (all Brazil) made their international debuts.

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• This was the first meeting between these two sides.

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• This was the first meeting between these two sides.

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----Notes:

• Temo Mayanavanua (Fiji) was originally named among the substitutes, but withdrew the day of the match due to injury. He was replaced on the bench by Setareki Turagacoke.^[21]
• Jacobo Ruiz (Spain), Setareki Turagacoke and Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (both Fiji) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• Alex Samuel, Ben Muncaster and Freddy Douglas (all Scotland) made their international debuts.^[22]
• Darcy Graham scored his 29th international try, equalling Scotland's all-time try scoring record (tied with Duhan van der Merwe).^[23]

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Notes:

• Rhys James, Jesse Kilgour and Sam Miller (all Canada) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• United States recorded their first win over Tonga since their 30–10 victory in 1999, which was the first time the two sides met.
• Mikey Grandy, Mark O'Keeffe (both United States) and Poasi Tonga (Tonga) made their international debuts.^[24]
• Mitch Wilson (United States) received a 20-minute red card in the 36th minute of the match. He was replaced in the 56th minute by Luke Carty.

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----Notes:

• France retained the Dave Gallaher Trophy for the first time since 2009.
• France won three consecutive matches against New Zealand for the first time since 1994–1995.
• Romain Buros (France) made his international debut.^[26]
• Patrick Tuipulotu (New Zealand) earned his 50th test cap.

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Notes:

• Giulio Bertaccini (Italy) made his international debut.

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----Notes:

• Australia retained the James Bevan Trophy.
• This was Australia's biggest ever away win against Wales (by total points scored).
• With this loss, Wales recorded their 11th consecutive test defeat – the longest losing streak in the country's 143-year international rugby history.^[30]
• Samu Kerevi and Rob Valetini (both Australia) earned their 50th test caps.^[31]
• Samu Kerevi (Australia) received a 20-minute red card in the 42nd minute of the match. He was replaced in the 62nd minute by Joseph Sua'ali'i.

22/23/24 November

Notes:

• Marko Gazzotti (France) made his international debut.

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Notes:

• Noah Brown (United States) made his international debut.
• With this win, United States went unbeaten on an autumn European tour for the first time since 2013.

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Notes:

• Cormac Izuchukwu and Gus McCarthy (both Ireland) made their international debuts.^[33]

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Notes:

• Kemal Altinok and Matthew Tweddle (both Romania) made their international debuts.

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Notes:

• South Africa retained the Prince William Cup.
• With this loss, Wales went winless in a single calendar year for the first time since 1937. They also become the second tier one nation, after Italy in 2020, to lose all their Tests in a single calendar year in the professional era.^[34]
• Freddie Thomas (Wales) and Cameron Hanekom (South Africa) made their international debuts.^[35]
• Gareth Thomas and Tom Rogers (Wales) were originally named to start at loosehead prop and right wing, but withdrew on the day of the match due to illness and injury, respectively. They were replaced by Nicky Smith and Josh Hathaway, whose places on the bench were taken by Kemsley Mathias and Owen Watkin.^[36]
• Ox Nché (South Africa) was originally named to start at loosehead prop, but the Springboks later revised their starting line-up. He was replaced by Thomas du Toit, who shifted across from the tighthead position, which was, in turn, taken by Wilco Louw.^[37]
• Jean Kleyn (South Africa) was originally named to start at lock, but withdrew prior to the match due to injury. He was replaced by Eben Etzebeth, whose place on the bench was taken by Marco van Staden.^[38]

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--------Notes:

• Scotland regained the Hopetoun Cup.
• With this win, Scotland set a new national record for most test match wins in a single calendar year (nine).
• Harry Potter (Australia) made his international debut.^[39]
• Matt Fagerson (Scotland) earned his 50th test cap.^[40]
• Duhan van der Merwe scored his 30th international try, reclaiming the record of top try scorer for Scotland.
• Matt Faessler and Jeremy Williams (Australia) were originally named to start at hooker and lock, but withdrew prior to the match due to injury and illness, respectively. They were replaced by Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, whose places on the bench were taken by Billy Pollard and Nick Frost.^[41]

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----Notes:

• Mamoru Harada (Japan) was originally named to start at hooker, but withdrew prior to the match due to injury. He was replaced by Seung-hyuk Lee, whose place on the bench was taken by Kenta Matsuoka.
• Asher Opoku-Fordjour (England) and Seung-hyuk Lee (Japan) made their international debuts.^[42]

30 November

Notes:

• Cian Healy earned his 134th test cap, to become Ireland's most capped player of all time (surpassing the record previously held by Brian O'Driscoll).^[44]
• Angus Bell (Australia) was originally named among the replacements, but he withdrew prior to the match due to illness. He was replaced by Isaac Kailea.
• Tane Edmed (Australia) made his international debut.^[45]
• Ireland retained the Lansdowne Cup.

See also

• 2024 mid-year rugby union tests

Notes and References

1. News: Peter Lakai reveals 'mixed feelings' ahead of his All Blacks debut . Planet Rugby . 23 October 2024 . 23 October 2024.
2. News: Wallace Sititi announces himself to Europe . Six Nations Rugby . 2 November 2024 . 2 November 2024.
3. News: Backing Price and debut for New Zealand-born rookie . The Times . 31 October 2024 . 31 October 2024.
4. News: Masterful McKenzie steals the show in Dublin - here's how . Six Nations Rugby . 8 November 2024 . 8 November 2024.
5. News: Joseph Sua'ali'i already a 'world star' after spectacular Wallabies debut at Twickenham . TNT Sports . 9 November 2024 . 9 November 2024.
6. News: England suffer shock defeat to Australia after blowing another lead . iNews . 9 November 2024 . 9 November 2024.
7. News: 'A benchmark': Schmidt backs Joseph Suaalii to make fast start for Australia . The Guardian . 7 November 2024 . 7 November 2024.
8. News: First pick in 2024 MLR Draft among three potential USA Eagles debutants . Rugby Pass . 8 November 2024 . 8 November 2024.
9. News: Hard graft takes 140kg 'big sponge' Tatafu to France debut . Super Sport . 8 November 2024 . 8 November 2024.
10. News: France's Penaud out of Japan test with illness . Super Sport . 9 November 2024 . 9 November 2024.
11. News: Caleb Muntz: The Fijian fly-half transforming Island rugby . Six Nations Rugby . 10 November 2024 . 10 November 2024.
12. News: Fiji surge to first victory in Cardiff as Wales’s losing run stretches to 10 Tests . The Guardian . 10 November 2024 . 10 November 2024.
13. News: Wales equal worst losing streak after first home defeat to Fiji . Associated Press . 10 November 2024 . 10 November 2024.
14. News: Wales v Fiji: Scarlets wing Blair Murray to make debut in Cardiff . BBC Sport . 8 November 2024 . 8 November 2024.
15. News: Why was Fiji's Semi Radradra given 20-minute red card against Wales in Autumn Nations Series? New system explained . TNT Sports . 10 November 2024 . 10 November 2024.
16. News: Captain Etzebeth leads from the front to claim match award . Six Nations Rugby . 10 November 2024 . 10 November 2024.
17. News: Scott Cummings learns ban fate at disciplinary hearing after Scotland red card . The Scotsman . 12 November 2024 . 12 November 2024.
18. News: Joe McCarthy is a man for the big moments . Six Nations Rugby . 16 November 2024 . 16 November 2024.
19. News: Prendergast and Clarkson set for debuts v Argentina . RTE . 13 November 2024 . 13 November 2024.
20. News: Ireland vs Argentina: Andy Farrell praises Cian Healy ahead of prop's record-equalling cap . BBC Sport . 14 November 2024 . 14 November 2024.
21. News: Fiji beats Spain, debut try for Turagacoke . FBC News . 17 November 2024 . 17 November 2024.
22. News: Scotland duo make debuts as only Tom Jordan retained for Portugal clash . The Independent . 14 November 2024 . 14 November 2024.
23. News: Darcy Graham equals all-time try record in dominant win . The Daily Telegraph . 16 November 2024 . 16 November 2024.
24. News: Scott Lawrence Names Two Uncapped Talents For Tonga Clash . FloRugby . 14 November 2024 . 14 November 2024.
25. News: Star man Cheslin lights up London . Six Nations Rugby . 16 November 2024 . 16 November 2024.
26. News: France fullback Buros to make debut against All Blacks . Reuters . 14 November 2024 . 14 November 2024.
27. News: Versatile Lamb shows his value in comeback win . Six Nations Rugby . 17 November 2024 . 17 November 2024.
28. News: 'Confrontational' Henry Pollock makes case to be fast-tracked by Steve Borthwick after England A win . The Daily Telegraph . 17 November 2024 . 17 November 2024.
29. News: Wright shines brightest for rejuvenated Wallabies . Six Nations Rugby . 17 November 2024 . 17 November 2024.
30. News: Wales suffer record loss in heavy Australia defeat . BBC Sport . 17 November 2024 . 17 November 2024.
31. News: Kerevi, Valetini to play 50th Tests against Wales in Cardiff . Wallabies Rugby . 15 November 2024 . 15 November 2024.
32. News: Aki provides perfect response to coach Farrell . Six Nations Rugby . 23 November 2024 . 23 November 2024.
33. News: Ireland hand Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu debuts for Fiji Test in Autumn Nations Series . Sky Sports . 22 November 2024 . 22 November 2024.
34. News: Wales vs. South Africa: Warren Gatland wants to stay as coach . ESPN . 23 November 2024 . 23 November 2024.
35. News: A Bok is born: 'Special' Hanekom at 'home' on eve of Test debut . News 24 . 22 November 2024 . 22 November 2024.
36. News: Two Wales players pull out of South Africa game in late announcement . Wales Online . 23 November 2024 . 23 November 2024.
37. News: Springboks: Ox Nche misses Wales Test as Rassie Erasmus alters his starting XV and releases five players . Planet Rugby . 20 November 2024 . 20 November 2024.
38. News: Etzebeth to start as Kleyn withdraws from Wales Test . SA Rugby . 23 November 2024 . 24 November 2024.
39. News: Harry Potter to make Australia debut against Scotland, one of six changes . TNT Sports . 22 November 2024 . 22 November 2024.
40. News: Scotland v Australia: Fagerson to earn 50th cap as Ritchie returns . BBC Sport . 22 November 2024 . 22 November 2024.
41. News: Australia forced into late change for Scotland clash . Reuters . 24 November 2024 . 24 November 2024.
42. News: England: Opoku-Fordjour set for debut against Japan . Premiership Rugby . 22 November 2024 . 22 November 2024.
43. News: Caelan Doris has underlined his Lions captaincy credentials . Six Nations Rugby . 30 November 2024 . 30 November 2024.
44. News: Ireland vs Australia: Cian Healy set to become Ireland's all-time leading cap holder in final Test of the year . Sky Sports . 28 November 2024 . 28 November 2024.
45. News: Suaalii and Edmed out to give Wallabies a final splash . Rugby.com.au . 29 November 2024 . 29 November 2024.