5 Players Inducted To World Rugby Hall Of Fame In 2024

World Rugby announced five players will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame 2024 at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco on 24 November – with those selected representing Rugby Sevens and 15s.

The governing body said, “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.”

The five players selected in 2024 are Emilee Cherry (Australia), DJ Forbes (New Zealand), Donna Kennedy (Scotland), Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand) and Sergio Parisse (Italy), bringing the total in the Hall of Fame to 171 since it began in 2006.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson added: “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.”

• World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 167, Emilee Cherry – World Rugby Sevens Players of the Year and Australia’s Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist. Cherry scored 131 tries in 159 series matches, becoming only the second female to reach 100 series tries. Cherry (now Barton) has since become a key part of the coaching staff for the Australia women’s sevens team as assistant coach.
• World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 168, DJ Forbes – World Rugby Sevens Players of the Year and former New Zealand captain DJ Forbes. He appeared in 89 series tournaments – playing 512 matches and scoring 153 tries! Forbes was the winner of 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.
• World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 169 Sergio Parisse – Arguably Italy’s greatest-ever player who played 142 tests for the Azzurri and Italy’s first World Rugby Hall of Famer. One of very few to have played in five Rugby World Cups.
• World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 170 Donna Kennedy – test centurion and Scotland’s most-capped player male or female with 115 tests. In 2023, Kennedy co-founded the Scottish Thistle Rugby Clan with the key purpose being to support the past, present and future of the game within Scotland.
• World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee No. 171 Chris Laidlaw – All Blacks’ scrumhalf who played 20 tests for and played in a further 37 tour and non-cap matches.

Donna Kennedy said via Scotland Rugby; “It’s like the damehood of rugby, isn’t it? Getting that email through to tell me the news, it was just like ‘wow!’. It feels so surreal but it’s such an honour.

I feel like this recognition isn’t just about me, and I really mean that. It’s a recognition of the journey I’ve been on with Scotland Women. I hold it up for everyone – players and coaches – it’s not just for me.”

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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