Legends Matt Burke and Richard Hill inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame

The contributions of Burke (inductee 172) and England and Hill (173) will be celebrated at a special event in Sydney, with two female players then inducted during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, at the Women's Summit on 26 September.

Both players tasted victory in a Lions series, Burke kicking five penalties among a 19-point haul to clinch victory in the third and decisive test of the 2001 tour in his native Sydney. Hill was part of that beaten Lions pride in Australia, four years after helping the tourists claim a series victory in South Africa.

Burke is one of Australia's greatest ever fullbacks, who combined pace, a strong defence, safe hands and an excellent kicking game, while Hill was part of England's much-vaunted loose trio under Clive Woodward who helped secure Rugby World Cup glory on Australian soil in 2003.

The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those that 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.

This year's four inductees will bring the total in the Hall of Fame to 175 since it began in 2006.

"On behalf of the global rugby family, I would like to congratulate Matthew Burke and Richard Hill on their richly deserved inductions into the World Rugby Hall of Fame," said World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson.

"Matthew was a match-winner for the Wallabies, composed, clinical, and dependable under pressure. His impact in key moments helped define one of the most successful eras in Australian rugby. Richard was the engine room of the England back row, selfless, tough, and tactically sharp. He was a cornerstone of England's Rugby World Cup-winning side, a great British and Irish Lion and a leader by example throughout his career.

"The World Rugby Hall of Fame exists to honour the greats of our game - those whose legacy transcends results and statistics. Matthew and Richard have earned their place among rugby's immortals, and we thank them for the extraordinary contribution they have made to rugby around the world. I also look forward to inducting two further female legends around the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final later this year."

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