The World Rugby Hall of Fame exhibit was officially launched at the event, following a star-studded grand opening in the town and the induction of 12 more greats of the game.
The Hall of Fame, a fully interactive and immersive experience, celebrates the history of the sport from innovative and rule-breaking beginnings with William Webb Ellis and Rugby School, right through to the present day with 132 greats, pioneers and administrators inducted to date.
See Brian O’Driscoll’s section in the online Hall of Fame.
Two former @IrishRugby stars Keith Wood and new inductee @BrianODriscoll sign the wall at the World Rugby Hall of Fame #RugbyHOF pic.twitter.com/OgvpTbNFZ2
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 17, 2016
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont and the Mayor of Rugby Cllr Sally Bragg officially cut the ribbon on the day as stars from the game congregated in the town that gave birth to the sport and its name.
Beaumont said: “Today we celebrate the greats who have inspired generations of players and fans with their feats on rugby fields around the world. We also celebrate formalising the link between the sport’s beginnings in Rugby with World Rugby as the game’s governing body.
“Through this partnership with our friends and colleagues in Rugby and the support of the people of this great town, we hope to welcome the world to rugby the sport and Rugby the town and inspire the next generation of players and supporters.”
.@JonnyWilkinson, @MaggieAlphonsi, @ShaneWilliams11, @BrianODriscoll and eight other rugby legends are being inducted into the #RugbyHoF pic.twitter.com/WWi7uWYgoB
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 17, 2016
A new website has also been launched, complementing the physical Hall of Fame, with visitors being able to access a complete timeline of the game and the moments that have shaped a sport that is now played by nearly eight million people in 121 nations.
O’Driscoll and the 11 other inductees were honoured at the ceremony, which was also attended by a host of other rugby luminaries as the Hall of Fame established a physical home for the very first time.
The full list of new inductees (with induction number and country) is:
Brian O’Driscoll (121, Ireland), Shane Williams (122, Wales), Jeremy Guscott (123, England), Lawrence Dallaglio (124, England), Heather Moyse (125, Canada), John Dawes (126, Wales), GPS Macpherson (127, Scotland), Arthur Gould (128, Wales), Jonny Wilkinson (129, England), Daniel Carroll (130, Australia and USA), Daisuke Ohata (131, Japan) and Maggie Alphonsi (132, England).
Following Thursday’s opening, the Hall of Fame is now open to the general public. In its inaugural year, admission is free to everyone.
