World Rugby has unveiled the latest batch of legends who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the prestigious World Rugby Awards in Monaco on 24 November.
This year’s inductees include a dynamic mix from both sevens and 15s, with Australia’s Emilee Cherry, New Zealand’s DJ Forbes, Scotland’s Donna Kennedy, New Zealand’s Chris Laidlaw, and Italy’s Sergio Parisse all set to take their place among the game’s greatest.
From Sevens to World Cups: A Legendary Class
This year’s class represents the global evolution of rugby, from sevens to 15s, and brings in some truly iconic figures. DJ Forbes, a former New Zealand captain and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, and Australia’s Olympic gold medallist Emilee Cherry, also a former Sevens Player of the Year, both step into the Hall of Fame spotlight. These two stars continue the tradition of rugby sevens excellence in an Olympic year.
Joining them are two legends from the 15s game, Sergio Parisse and Donna Kennedy. Parisse, widely regarded as Italy’s greatest ever player, played an astonishing 142 tests, representing his nation at five Rugby World Cups. Kennedy, Scotland’s most-capped player with 115 tests, also receives the ultimate accolade for her exceptional career.
The final inductee, Chris Laidlaw, was one of the finest players to wear the All Blacks’ famous number nine jersey and is rightly recognised for his enduring legacy in the game.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson’s Tribute
World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, praised the remarkable talent and dedication of this year’s inductees: “This Sunday, we will be welcoming five legends from four nationalities into the Hall of Fame. Their talent and commitment have shaped our sport and inspired the next generation.”
John Eales Celebrates Rugby’s Evolution
Fellow Hall of Fame inductee and Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel, John Eales, also celebrated the diversity and evolution of the game. “This year’s class showcases rugby’s values, diversity, and the growth of rugby across the globe. I’d especially like to congratulate Sergio Parisse as Italy’s first-ever inductee – his selection highlights Italy’s rising influence in the rugby world,” Eales said.
With these five additions, the total number of inductees into the World Rugby Hall of Fame now stands at 171 since its inception in 2006.
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees
No. 167 – Emilee Cherry (Australia)
No. 168 – DJ Forbes (New Zealand)
No. 169 – Sergio Parisse (Italy)
No. 170 – Donna Kennedy (Scotland)
No. 171 – Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand)
For more info on the Hall of Fame, visit World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Tough quiz: Can you name the top 100 mens capped rugby players of all-time?!
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage.
Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
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