"VAN" (Sports Desk - 21.11.2024) :: World Rugby has announced that five players spread across sevens and 15s will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco on 24 November.
The contributions of Emilee Cherry (Australia), DJ Forbes (New Zealand), Donna Kennedy (Scotland), Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand) and Sergio Parisse (Italy) to the game will be celebrated at the gala event.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game of rugby throughout their careers, while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
In an Olympic year, two former stars of the sevens game and World Rugby Sevens Players of the Year will take their place in the Hall of Fame in former New Zealand captain DJ Forbes and Australia’s Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Emilee Cherry.
They are joined by two players to grace a Rugby World Cup on five occasions in Sergio Parisse, arguably Italy’s greatest ever player who played 142 tests for the Azzurri, and fellow-test centurion Donna Kennedy – Scotland's most-capped player male or female with 115 tests. Chris Laidlaw, one of finest players to wear the All Blacks’ number nine jersey, is the final inductee of 2024.
The five inductees bring the total in the Hall of Fame to 171 since it began in 2006.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “This Sunday, we will be welcoming five legends from four nationalities into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. 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.”
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