At the end of another brilliant season, it’s time to pick the Hospital Cup team of the year. 

It’s a difficult task and takes nothing away from the fantastic form of a lot of players who don’t appear below. 

But it’s also great recognition for the players that do, many of whom should be on the radar of professional sides in Australia and around the world. 

To pick the team, Rugby News referred back to the Hospital Cup teams of the week published throughout 2024. First up, the forwards

1) George Francis – Souths

Now 26, Francis is maturing in to a fantastic prop and still has plenty of upside. Earned selection in the team of the week four times, in rounds one, six, nine and 15.  

2) Jake Tiernay – UQ

Red Heavies’ hooker Jake Tiernay finished the season as the competition’s top tryscorer after driving the UQ maul over the line 16 times this season. 

3) Massimo De Lutiis – Easts

After returning to Brisbane, massive prop Massimo De Lutiis built throughout the Premier Rugby season, starred for the Reds in recent tour matches and earned a spot in the Australia A squad heading to Europe. 

4) Sam Von Blackensee – Souths

After helping Souths push up the Hospital Cup ladder, Souths lock Sam Von Blackensee just edges his teammate Jake Kurbatoff to earn a spot in the team of the year, but both have tremendous upside for the Magpies in the years ahead. 

5) Jack Brady – UQ

Always consistent Red Heavies’ lock Jack Brady gets the nod in the No.5 jersey after earning selection in the team of the week on four occasions this season. 

6) Michael Wood – Brothers 

The best player in the competition towards the back end of the season, 25-year old backrower Michael Wood deserves another crack at Super Rugby. 

7) Matt Gicquel – GPS

The heart and soul of a rebuilding Jeeps outfit, Gicquel was awarded the the Alec Evans medal as the competition’s MVP, and polled 12 votes ahead of the runner’s up. GPS fans will be hoping the club’s young talent can continue to develop quick enough to give Gicquel another deserved shot at the Premier Rugby title. 

8) Connor Anderson – Wests

While things didn’t go to plan for Connor Anderson at the Reds this year, the No.8 was a standout at Premier Rugby level and will play for Chugoku Red Regulions in Japan, before hopefully returning to help Wests go one better next season.