Diego Dominguez among five greats to join Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke in 2026 World Rugby Hall of Fame
Diego Dominguez among five greats to join Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke in 2026 World Rugby Hall of Fame
World Rugby has named five more stars for induction into its prestigious Hall of Fame, bringing the total to 182 since its establishment in 2006.
Joel Stransky (South Africa) and Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) were inducted in a special ceremony in Cape Town on 27 August, two days before the second test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between their two nations.
Joining them will be Abdelatif Benazzi (France), Jen Crawford (USA), Sue Day (England), Diego Dominguez (Italy) and Rochelle Martin (New Zealand).
Seven honoured in the 2026 World Rugby Hall of Fame
A statement released by World Rugby reads: “Jen Crawford was a central figure in the USA winning the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, beating England 19-6 in the final. She will be inducted alongside Sue Day, twice a runner-up in the showpiece event with the Red Roses and still their record try-scorer, at the WXV Global Series 2026 match between USA and England in New Jersey on 30 October.
“A day later, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, three-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Rochelle Martin will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as the Black Ferns face France in another WXV Global Series encounter.
“Abdelatif Benazzi, the Morocco-born veteran of 78 caps in the back row for France from 1990-2001 who is now vice-president of the Fédération Française de Rugby and a World Rugby Council member, will be the sixth in the class of 2026 to be inducted, at the World Rugby Council dinner in Dublin on 17 November.
“That leaves Dominguez, the former Argentina and Italy fly-half who played in three Rugby World Cups and was a talisman as the Azzurri transitioned into the Men’s Six Nations in 2000. He will be inducted ahead of one of Italy Men’s Six Nations matches versus either France or Wales in Rome in March.
“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.’
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Trailblazers and extraordinary talent
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “On behalf of the global rugby family, I would like to congratulate Jen, Sue, Rochelle, Diego and Abdel on their richly deserved inductions into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, joining Joel and Zinzan in taking our class of 2026 to seven members.
“They have each made their mark on our sport, not only on the pitch but also off it. Jen was a trailblazer for women’s rugby in the USA, Sue is still the Red Roses’ record try-scorer, and Rochelle won three Women’s Rugby World Cups.
“I actually made my test debut for Australia against an Italy side featuring Diego, who would go on to become a talisman for the Azzurri. Abdel continues to be a driving force within the game, just as he was on the field, as a World Rugby Council member and steadfast chair of the men’s High-Performance Committee.”
John Eales, Chair of the Hall of Fame panel and a Hall of Fame inductee, added: “This year’s inductees represent the very best of our sport with extraordinary talent matched by humility, leadership and an unwavering commitment to rugby’s values. From World Cup-winning moments etched in history to the quiet, tireless work many have done to grow and champion the game long after their playing days, each of them has shaped rugby for the better. On behalf of the Hall of Fame, I warmly welcome them into the fold.”
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2026 inductees
No.176 – Joel Stransky (South Africa): In the final of RWC 1995, the fly-half scored all of South Africa’s points in a 15-12 win at his home ground, Ellis Park, including the extra-time drop goal that ensured Stransky’s place in Springbok rugby folklore.
No.177 – Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand): A Rugby World Cup winner at the age of 22 in 1987, Brooke appeared in three tournaments on his way to winning 58 caps for his country, 54 of them starts, in a test career spanning 12 years. His tally of 17 test tries was a record for a forward at the time.
No.178 – Sue Day (England): Despite her test career finishing nearly two decades ago in 2007, Day still holds England women’s all-time try-scoring record, crossing for a remarkable 61 tries in a decade of service to the Red Roses between 1997 and 2007.
No.179 – Jen Crawford (USA): Regarded as one of the finest female rugby players North America has ever produced. A supremely versatile and dangerous attacking player, she excelled at fly-half, centre and full-back during a distinguished international career with the USA.
No.180 – Rochelle Martin (New Zealand): She was a member of the all-conquering Black Ferns team that won three successive Women’s Rugby World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), serving as vice-captain to Farah Palmer in the latter tournament, which brought the curtain down on her test career after 12 years at the top.
No.181 – Diego Dominguez (Italy): Represented Italy at three Rugby World Cups – 1991, 1995 and 1999 – and was an important figure in the team’s successful transition into the Men’s Six Nations in 2000. In Italy’s first-ever Men’s Six Nations match, a memorable victory over Scotland, he scored 29 of the Azzurri’s 34 points, including three trademark drop goals.
No.182 – Abdelatif Benazzi (France): Capable of playing second-row, flanker or number eight, Benazzi gained a reputation for his ball-handling skills as well as his physicality, and in 1994, he played a part in the ‘try from the end of the world’, scored by Jean-Luc Sadourny, which beat the All Blacks at their Eden Park fortress.
