Scottish Rugby Legend Donna Kennedy to be Inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame

Donna Kennedy, a legendary figure in Scottish rugby, is scheduled for induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame this weekend. She is one of five players who will be honored at a ceremony taking place in Monaco. As Scotland’s most-capped player, across both male and female rugby, Kennedy served as a key figure for the women’s national team throughout a significant portion of its initial two decades. Her Test debut occurred in February 1993, playing as a second row in Scotland’s inaugural international match, where she contributed to a 10-0 win over Ireland. Kennedy participated in her first Women’s Rugby World Cup the following year and went on to appear in an additional four editions of the international competition. By 2004, she transitioned from the back row, a position where she had been a fundamental component of the Scotland pack, to earn four caps playing on the wing. In that same year, she surpassed England’s Gill Burns to become the world’s most-capped women’s player upon playing her 74th Test, ultimately extending her total to 115 caps before her retirement. England’s Rocky Clark later exceeded this record in 2016. Her extensive cap record and adaptability across different positions resulted in her being recognized as World Rugby’s International Women’s Personality of the Year in 2004. Kennedy, who participated in 95 of Scotland’s initial 100 Tests, commented on the honor, stating: “It’s like the damehood of rugby isn’t it? Getting that email through to tell me the news, it was just like ‘wow!’ It feels so surreal but it’s such an honour. I feel like this recognition isn’t just about me, and I really mean that. It’s recognition of the journey I’ve been on with Scotland Women. I hold it up for everyone – players and coaches – it’s not just for me.” Following the conclusion of her playing career, the Biggar native served as a coach for the Scottish Rugby Union and also managed the English club Worcester. Kennedy will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday alongside Emilee Cherry from Australia, New Zealanders DJ Forbes and Chris Laidlaw, and Sergio Parisse of Italy. The World Rugby Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the sport, simultaneously embodying rugby’s foundational values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect.