The World Rugby Hall of Fame has been officially launched in Rugby, England, following a star-studded grand opening in the town and induction of 12 more greats of the game on Thursday.
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. World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont and the Mayor of Rugby Sally Bragg officially cut the ribbon on a day when stars from the game congregated in the town that gave birth to the sport and its name.
“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 formalizing 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,” Beaumont said.
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.
This story first appeared in the blog, The Sport Intern. The editor is Karl-Heinz Huba of Lorsch, Germany. He can be reached at ISMG@aol.com. The article is reprinted here with permission of Huba.