Wallabies legend George Smith will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in Paris this month, along with four other greats.
World Rugby announced that Smith would receive the honour in Paris on October 29 – the day after the Rugby World Cup final.
The freakish flanker will be joined in the lofty club by Dan Carter (New Zealand), Bryan Habana (South Africa), Thierry Dusautoir (France) and Juan Martin Hernandez.
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Smith, 43, played 111 Tests for Australia.
“This is a thoroughly deserved recognition of George’s greatness in the gold jersey,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said.
“I had first hand experience of his excellence growing up playing junior club rugby against each other on Sydney’s northern beaches, as a fierce opponent in Super Rugby, and as a Wallabies teammate.
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“George personified the spirit of the Wallabies, and redefined what it would mean to wear the Wallabies’ No.7 jersey for more than two decades, setting the standard for greats like Pocock and Hooper to follow.
“He was a warrior for the Wallabies in more than 100 Tests, and is one of the greatest Super Rugby players we’ve ever seen.”
Wallabies icon John Eales, himself a Hall of Fame member, was the chairman of the panel that decided the 2023 inductees.
“As our game celebrates another successful Rugby World Cup it is timely to recognise those who have contributed to making our game the wonderful global sport that it is,” Eales said.
“Today we induct a series of rugby players into the World Rugby Hall of Fame who have each thrived on the world stage as exemplars of the athletic requirements of our game, and just as importantly, as ambassadors of the values of our game.
“Congratulations to our five inductees.”
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World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont described the five as “legends of the game, players who are indelibly linked to the remarkable Rugby World Cup story.”
“Each have played a huge role in making the sport what it is today, exciting and inspiring in equal measure, while always being superb ambassadors for their sport,” Beaumont said.
“Their impact was greater than the field of play, it transcended sport and society, taking rugby to another level. Congratulations to our inductees. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the World Rugby Awards.”
