World Rugby has announced the next four players will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2025.
This year’s inductees will bring the total in the Hall of Fame to 175 since it began in 2006.
The contributions of former Wallaby fullback Matthew Burke and England and British and Irish Lions flanker Richard Hill will be celebrated at a special event in Sydney, with two yet-to-be-named female players then inducted during Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, at the Women’s Summit on 26 September.
13 Springbok inductees
South Africa has 13 former players, two ex-Springbok coaches and even a former president in the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
By way of comparison, New Zealand has 24 inductees, Australia 20 (including Matthew Burke), England 24 (including Richard Hill) and France 13.
South Africa’s inductees are:
| Person | Year inducted |
| Danie Craven | 2007 |
| Frik du Preez | 2009 |
| Bennie Osler | 2009 |
| Barry Heatlie | 2009 |
| Kitch Christie | 2011 |
| John Smit | 2011 |
| Jake White | 2011 |
| Francois Pienaar | 2011 |
| Nelson Mandela | 2015 |
| Naas Botha | 2015 |
| Morne du Plessis | 2015 |
| Joost van der Westhuizen | 2015 |
| Hennie Muller | 2015 |
| Danie Gerber | 2015 |
| Os du Randt | 2019 |
| Bryan Habana | 2023 |
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2025 inductees
No 172 – Matthew Burke (Australia)
No 173 – Richard Hill (England and Lions)
Any Springboks you are surprised are not currently in the World Rugby Hall of Fame?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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