In the biggest sporting event of 2015, New Zealand overcame rivals Australia to become three-time Rugby World Cup winners.
The World Cup, based in England, was the best yet for the sport, with full stadiums throughout and some memorable rugby which saw the Southern Hemisphere dominance of the competition continue.
At club level, there was success for Saracens, Glasgow, Stade Francais and the Highlanders, whilst Toulon won their third straight European crown in all-French final at Twickenham.
There was sadness at the end of the year, when modern great Jonah Lomu passed away following health problems.
Kiwis greats leave on top
On the final day of October, Richie McCaw became the first man to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy on two occasions after his side put in a strong performance to outlast their antipodean rivals. The 34-17 victory at Twickenham came thanks to a three-try effort as the Kiwis marched to World Cup glory.
For McCaw and a number of his teammates it was the perfect ending to their international careers, with Steve Hansen's men finally winning the biggest international tournament on foreign soil. Dan Carter put in a virtuoso performance, becoming the World Player of the Year in the process, bowing out from international rugby with his first World Cup triumph.
The World Cup saw the four southern hemisphere power houses make the semi-finals, with Argentina showing their stardom in a stunning quarter-final victory over the Irish. In the other quarters, New Zealand routed France, Wales lost at the death to South Africa, whilst Scotland were beaten in the cruelest possible manor by eventual finalists Australia.
Jones replaces sorry Lancaster thanks to Brave Blossoms excellence
For England, their home World Cup could not possibly have gone much worse. Losses to Wales and Australia in the group stages saw the home nation dumped from their own tournament, with head coach Stuart Lancaster and his staff removed from office soon after.
Lancaster's job has now gone to Eddie Jones, who masterminded Japan's incredible win over South Africa in the biggest shock in World Cup history at Brighton. Jones has a contract up until the next World Cup and has signed up Steve Borthwick and Paul Gustard to his coaching staff, with his first squad announcement due in the new year ahead of an exciting new reigime for English rugby.
Ireland and Australia prevail North and South
Months prior to the World Cup, the Wallabies were successful in a shortened Rugby Championship which came on the back of a 27-19 home win against New Zealand.
In the Six Nations, Joe Schmidt's Ireland made it back-to-back titles after winning on points difference following the most incredible final day in the competition's history. Ireland, Wales and England all went into the final Saturday with three wins from four games and the title set to come down to the team who had the best points difference.
Wales laid down the gauntlet with a 61-20 demolition of the Italians in Rome thanks to an eight-try win, which included a George North hat-trick. Ireland then followed Wales' win up with a 40-10 stuffing of Scotland in Edinburgh to hand their hosts the wooden spoon and their fifth defeat from five games in the competition. That left England with the task of beating France by 26 at Twickenham, and they ended six points short after prevailing 55-35 in a 90-point thriller.
Toulon claim European title once more
At club level, Toulon won their third straight Champions Cup, after beating perenial bridesmaids Clermont 24-18 at Twickenham.
Clermont also suffered defeat in the French Top14 Championship final, falling 12-6 to Stade Francais who saw Morne Steyn land four successful penalties.
Saracens were champions of England after beating Bath in the Premiership final, whilst Glasgow Warriors destroyed Munster 31-13 to take the Pro12 crown.
Down under, the Highlanders were much deserved Super Rugby winners, after overcoming the Hurricanes in an incredible final. Elliot Dixon and Waisake Naholo scored the Highlanders tries to help the franchise to their first Super Rugby title.
New Zealand's under-20 side preceeded their senior side in becoming world champions with a 21-16 win over England in Cremona, whilst Fiji won the sevens series ahead of a huge year for the sport which will take it's place at the 2016 Olympics for the first time.
Lomu leaves behind huge legacy
The year ended in sadness for the rugby world when Jonah Lomu passed away at the age of 40. Lomu was professional rugby's first true icon and his loss was felt by all.
After some stunning performances during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Lomu became a huge name in sport for the way he demolished opposition defenders when running with the ball in hand.
Lomu finished with 37 international tries and left a mark on his sport like nobody before him.