World Rugby Hall of Fame

The World Rugby Hall of Fame stands in the town of Rugby, in Warwickshire, England. It occupies the Rugby Art Gallery, Museum and Library, a civic building that also holds books, art and local history. The town gave rugby union its name after a schoolboy ran with the ball in the 19th century. The hall recognises players, coaches, referees and administrators who shaped the game. It began as the IRB Hall of Fame in 2006 and became the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014. The hall is worth the journey because it tells rugby’s story through its greatest figures. William Webb Ellis and Rugby School were the first inductees in 2006. Later classes included World Cup founders, winning captains and coaches, and six women in 2014. Inductions moved around the world from Glasgow to Paris, London, Auckland and beyond. The 2009 class focused on British & Irish Lions and South African players. The 2012 theme celebrated rugby as a global sport played by millions. Visitors find displays of trophies, jerseys and personal items of inductees. The gallery shows how rugby spread from a single school game to an international sport. Photographs and documents recall tours, matches and records. The building itself is a landmark in Rugby, a town that keeps the game’s origins alive. The hall links past achievements with today’s players and fans.