Australia has dominated the International Touch World Cup, with the Emus winning 12 of a possible 13 gold medals at the seven-day tournament in England.
The Emus triumphed in the Open Men's, Women's and Mixed finals after going through the round-robin stage without loss across all divisions to retain the World Cup they last won in Malaysia in 2019.
The 2024 performance tops the Malaysian campaign with the Emus claiming two more division titles in Nottingham, reaffirming Australia's position as the global benchmark as they have never lost a World Cup.
However, the Emus Opens (elite) teams faced strong New Zealand opposition and each game producing gripping encounters.
With last year's trans-Tasman Test series in Brisbane being decided in a drop-off, the Men's final between the two powerhouses was a highly anticipated clash.
As he did in Brisbane, Ifor Jones caused plenty of headaches for the Aussies and the Touch Black star won Player of the Final, but it was a complete team performance from the Emus who claimed a 9-6 victory.
Australia have only ever lost one World Cup game in the Open Women's division and captain Kim Sue See ensured that record will stand in a performance that earned her Player of the Final after leading her team to a 6-2 win.
Recent trans-Tasman results suggested the final of the Mixed Open division was also going to be hotly contested, and it lived up to those expectations.
In one of the matches of the tournament, the two old adversaries couldn't be separated at the end of 40-minutes, tied at seven tries apiece and requiring a drop-off to decide the World Championship.
In the end, it came down to a special defensive effort from James Hegedus and a match-winning try from Steph Maiolo which won it for the Emus 8-7.
Australia dominated the Masters divisions, claiming all but one Gold Medal, with the Men's 40s falling agonisingly short against New Zealand in a gallant 4-3 loss.
The Women's 27s reclaimed the World Title after being runners-up in Malaysia, led by an inspiring performance in the final by Stephanie Halpin to defeat host nation England 7-1.
In the other Ashes match-up, Serena Albert ensured 'it was coming home' to Australia in the Women's 35s division with the Emus comfortable winners 10-2.
2024 was the first time a Women's 40s division featured at a World Cup, and the Emus ensured it was a memorable experience winning the inaugural title in a tight contest over the Kiwis 4-1.
There were plenty of heart-stopping moments in the Men's 30s and Senior Mixed finals, with both matches decided by just one try.
Tommy Quinlivan starred in the Men's 30s as the Emus won 5-4, whilst the senior mixed team sent retiring coach Danny Goodwin out in style winning 10-9.
The Men's 35s proved too strong for the Kiwis with Australia winning 16-3.
Earlier, the Men's 55s, Men's 50s, and Men's 45s teams got the Emus off to a flyer, claiming three Gold Medals on the penultimate day of competition.
Men's Open
Australia 9 defeated New Zealand 6
Player Of the Final: Ifor Jones - New Zealand
Medallists
Gold: Australia
Silver: New Zealand
Bronze: Lebanon
Women's Open
Australia 6 defeated New Zealand 2
Player of the Final: Kim Sue See - Australia
Medallists
Gold: Australia
Silver: New Zealand
Bronze: England
Mixed Open
Australia 8 defeated New Zealand 7
Player of the Final: Steph Maiolo
Medallists
Gold: Australia
Silver: New Zealand
Bronze: England
