Five rugby legends will join the prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame this weekend. The ceremony will be part of the World Rugby Awards in Monaco on November 24, 2024.
This event will honor their immense contributions to the game and exemplary careers.
These inductees have left lasting legacies on rugby, both in the sevens and 15s formats. They include Olympic champions, trailblazers in women’s rugby, and leaders who defined their era.
Emilee Cherry of Australia is one of the most influential players in women’s rugby sevens. Her incredible career peaked when she helped her team secure a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, the first time rugby sevens had been featured in the Olympic Games.
Cherry’s speed, vision, and game intelligence made her a standout player. In 2014, she earned the title of World Rugby Seven Player of the Year. Her influence on the rise of women’s rugby, particularly sevens, is undeniable.
Joining Cherry in this honor is New Zealand’s DJ Forbes. Forbes is widely regarded as a cornerstone of rugby sevens. During his playing years, he led the All Blacks Sevens team to dominance.
Known for his physicality and relentless work ethic, Forbes inspired teammates and fans alike. His leadership and performances shaped the modern identity of rugby sevens.
He also won World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2008, further cementing his legacy.
Donna Kennedy of Scotland holds the record as her country’s most-capped rugby player. Across 115 tests, she showcased incredible consistency and dedication.
Her accomplishments paved the way for women in rugby, not only in Scotland but globally.
Kennedy’s presence on the field was commanding. She became a role model for young girls aspiring to play the sport. Her induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates her contributions to women’s rugby.
Italy’s Sergio Parisse also receives this prestigious honor. He becomes the first Italian to join the World Rugby Hall of Fame. This milestone reflects his immense influence on the sport in his home country and beyond.
Parisse’s career spanned two decades and included five Rugby World Cup appearances. He earned 142 test caps, making him one of rugby’s most durable and respected players.
His skills as a number eight were unmatched, and his leadership inspired the Italian team.
Chris Laidlaw from New Zealand rounds out the 2024 class of inductees. As a scrum-half, Laidlaw was known for his tactical brilliance and ability to control games.
He was one of the finest to wear the All Blacks’ iconic number nine jersey.
Beyond the field, Laidlaw contributed to rugby’s growth through his writing and advocacy. His career reflects the depth and diversity of influence players can have on the game.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees reflect rugby’s diversity and growth. World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson praised their achievements and legacy. He noted their extraordinary dedication and how they inspired players around the world.
Each inductee represents a unique chapter in rugby’s evolution. Their careers spanned different eras and formats, from the fast-paced sevens game to the grueling 15s tests.
Together, they exemplify rugby’s core values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect.
John Eales, a Hall of Fame panel chairman and former inductee, emphasized the significance of this year’s class. He acknowledged the diversity of their achievements and their impact on the sport.
Eales highlighted Parisse’s selection as Italy’s first inductee as a symbol of rugby’s expanding global reach.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame began in 2006. Since then, it has honored 171 individuals for their contributions to the sport. This tradition continues to recognize those who shaped rugby’s history and inspired future generations.
The ceremony in Monaco will celebrate more than individual achievement. It will highlight rugby’s unifying spirit and global appeal. Fans, players, and dignitaries will gather to honor these legends and their legacy.
Events like this also spotlight rugby’s values. They remind the world of the sport’s emphasis on teamwork, respect, and perseverance. These qualities define not only the game but also the individuals it honors.
This year’s inductees leave behind more than just records and accolades. Their impact goes beyond numbers or trophies. They inspired their teammates, redefined their roles, and elevated rugby to new heights.
As the spotlight turns to Monaco, rugby fans worldwide will celebrate this historic moment. These five legends join an elite group of players who have defined the sport.
Each inductee brings a unique story, yet they share a common thread. They showcased excellence on the field while embodying rugby’s highest ideals.
This blend of talent, dedication, and values makes them worthy of the Hall of Fame.
For rugby, this is a celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future. Players and fans alike can look to these icons for motivation. Their journeys prove that greatness is possible with passion and perseverance.
The 2024 Hall of Fame class underscores rugby’s universal appeal. It connects generations, formats, and nations under one banner. These inductees remind us of why rugby continues to thrive and inspire globally.