The five rugby legends inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame

Earning even a single top-level international cap is a remarkable accomplishment, but achieving multiple caps is a dream realized by only a select few. Those who not only amass numerous caps but also excel at the highest level, reaching the peak of greatness, deserve immense recognition for their contributions.

Thankfully, the World Rugby Hall of Fame plays a crucial role in honouring those who have transcended the sport. The inductees for this year hail from both sevens and fifteens.

Emilee Cherry  (Australia) – Inductee No. 167

An incredibly talented sevens player who became the first Australian to be named World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year. She performed in two Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments, gained a Commonwealth Games silver, and gained gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

DJ Forbes (New Zealand) – Inductee No. 168

Another sevens legend, Forbes won 26 tournaments, six overall series titles, one Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2010, silver in 2014 and a Rugby World Cup Sevens title in 2013. He was also named World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2008

Sergio Parisse (Italy) – Inductee No. 169

Arguably Italy’s greatest player and one of the best number eights the game has ever seen, Sergio Parisse had an incredible career that spanned over two decades.

With his white boots and ability to offload and break the line Parisse was not your conventional forward, but he won the respect of rugby fans the world over for his dynamic displays from the back of the scrum, often single-handedly lifting the Azzurri to greater heights.

The first Italian to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame

Donna Kennedy (Scotland) – Inductee No.170

Scotland’s most-capped player, male or female, Donna Kennedy was synonymous with the country’s women’s national team for much of the first two decades of its existence.

Kennedy made her test debut in Scotland’s first-ever international, lining up in the second row and helping her country to a 10-0 victory against Ireland on Valentine’s Day in 1993. A year later she appeared in her first Women’s Rugby World Cup, on home soil, and she would go on to play at five editions of the showpiece tournament.

Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand) – Inductee No. 171

Considered something of a rugby prodigy in his youth, Chris Laidlaw would fulfil his undoubted potential both on and off the pitch. One of the greatest scrum-halves to ever pull on an All Black number nine jersey, he has gone on to have an influential and varied career outside of the game. After he retired from rugby in 1970, he went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career as a diplomat, politician and broadcaster.

Speaking about the selections, new World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “These inductees, representing both sevens and 15s, have graced our sport with their remarkable talent, enduring dedication, and performances at the highest level. On behalf of World Rugby, I extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them for their incredible achievements and the inspiring legacy they have left, which continues to resonate throughout the game.”

Fellow World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee and Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel John Eales said: “Again, this year’s World Rugby Hall of Fame inductees showcase rugby’s values, diversity, and evolution. The class features two rugby sevens stars, marking another Olympiad, and three legends from different eras. Notably, congratulations to Italy’s first-ever inductee, Sergio Parisse. Sergio’s selection celebrates a brilliant career and highlights Italy’s growing achievements amid rugby’s expansion worldwide.