Courtesy of World Rugby
Five legends of the game will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at a special ceremony to celebrate their lives and careers in Rugby, England, on Nov. 10.
The list includes one of American rugby's most recognizable female players, who performed at a world-class level as both a prop and a loose forward, and an icon of Canadian rugby.
The full list of new inductees (with induction number and country) is Felipe Contepomi (133, Argentina), Al Charron (134, Canada), Rob Andrew (135, England), Fabien Pelous (136, France), and Phaidra Knight (137, USA).
Confirmation of the class of 2017, as chosen by the World Rugby Hall of Fame panel of experts, takes the grand total of inductees to 137 with each celebrated and profiled within a physical experience in the birthplace of the game that is fully interactive, immersive and delivered in multiple languages.
This year’s induction ceremony coincides with the start of the Rugby World Cup 2019 trophy tour, which will kick off in Rugby town on Nov. 10 and take the famous Webb Ellis Cup all over the globe before arriving in Japan in time for the game’s pinnacle tournament less than two years from now.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, who will be in attendance at next month's induction ceremony said: “The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made an indelible mark on our sport through feats on the field of play, displays of great character or through their tireless and inspirational work in driving forward our great game.
“The latest set of inductions includes some real legends, players who have helped to shape the image of rugby and inspire generations of fans. They all have contributed immensely to the enjoyment we have all felt watching top-level rugby over the decades. Each of these five inductees has made a positive impression on the sport, in their own countries and around the world, that will last the test of time.
Al Charron
No one put more into his rugby career than Al Charron. The rambling, physical lock/flanker was Canada's captain and ambassador — he still holds that second role — and he was as feared a player as any in the 1990s and early 2000s.
From 1990 to 2003 he played in four Rugby World Cups, helping Canada to the quarterfinals in 1991. He played 76 times for his country.
Phaidra Knight
Knight started out as a prop for the USA and made the World XV at that position before transitioning to flanker. An international star at 7s and 15s, Knight earned 35 caps for the USA and appeared in three Women’s Rugby World Cups, in 2002, 2006, and 2010. In the first two tournaments, she was included in the tournament all-star team. She was named USA Rugby Player of the Decade in 2010.
A physical, punishing runner and defender, Knight finished her career as a hooker.
Felipe Contepomi
From Buenos Aires to Bristol to Leinster to Toulon to finally Stade Francais, Felipe Contepomi was a cult hero wherever he played. The qualified doctor could dissect even the most organized of defenses with his dazzling distribution skills and footwork from fly-half — his will to win never clouding the bonhomie in which he approached the game.
Forming a world-class half-back partnership with Agustín Pichot, Contepomi was the chief conductor of Argentina’s attack during his 15-year test career as well as being a top-level kicker. In June 2012, he overtook Hugo Porta’s all-time record for points scored and went on to notch 651 in 87 tests, including 16 tries. He appeared in four Rugby World Cups, most notably in the class of 2007 that beat the host nation France twice to claim a historic bronze medal.
Rob Andrew
Rob Andrew made a huge contribution to English rugby as a player, director of rugby and then RFU administrator before taking up a career in his second sporting passion, cricket. The Yorkshireman made his international debut for England as a fresh-faced fly-half in 1985 and went on to play an integral part in the side’s revival during the Geoff Cooke/Will Carling era. Andrew featured in three grand slam-winning sides in the 1990s and started the RWC 1991 final against Australia. He also played in the 1987 and 1995 editions, kicking a memorable drop goal to defeat the Wallabies in the quarterfinals.
A superb kicker off both feet, the Cambridge Blue amassed 396 points for England and a further 11 in five test appearances for the Lions across the 1989 and 1993 tours. Andrew announced his international retirement in 1995, at which point he left Wasps to begin a decade of service to Newcastle, whom he led to the inaugural Premiership title in his dual role as player/director of rugby.
Fabien Pelous
Fabien Pelous is France's most-capped player with 118 test appearances to his name in 12 years as an international. A totem of the French pack from 1995 through to 2007, Pelous was the first second-row and only the second Frenchman after Philippe Sella to win a century of caps. At the time, Pelous described himself as “average” but that says more about his modesty than his ability which is beyond dispute.
Never giving less than 100 percent, Pelous’ spirit and robustness in the heat of battle made him perfect captaincy material. In total, he led France 42 times including at two Rugby World Cups. Only Thierry Dusautoir has worn the French armband on more occasions. Twelve of his 18 seasons as a professional were with Toulouse, where he helped his hometown club to win two European Cups and three French Championships before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2008-09 season.