31 July 2025 – World Rugby has announced that four iconic players will be inducted into the prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2025, with the first two honourees set to be celebrated during the final Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on 2 August.
Former Wallabies full-back Matthew Burke and England and British & Irish Lions flanker Richard Hill will be formally recognised at a special ceremony in Sydney. Two additional female rugby legends will then be inducted during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, at the Women’s Summit on 26 September.
Two Legends, Two Lions Victories
Both Burke and Hill experienced the thrill of a Lions series triumph during their illustrious careers. Burke famously kicked five penalties in a 19-point haul to secure victory in the decisive third Test of the 2001 Lions tour in his hometown of Sydney. Hill, meanwhile, was part of the 1997 Lions squad that triumphed in South Africa, though he later suffered defeat in the 2001 series against Australia.
Burke is remembered as one of Australia’s greatest full-backs, blending speed, defensive strength, reliability under the high ball, and a world-class kicking game. Hill, a key figure in England’s legendary loose trio under Sir Clive Woodward, played an instrumental role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory on Australian soil.
A Celebration of Rugby’s Values
The World Rugby Hall of Fame honours players who have made exceptional contributions to the sport while embodying rugby’s core values: integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect. This year’s four inductees will bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 175 since its inception in 2006.
Statements from Rugby Leaders
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said:
“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. 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.”
John Eales, Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel and a Hall of Famer himself, added:
“The World Rugby Hall of Fame would like to celebrate the British and Irish Lions series in Australia and Women’s Rugby World Cup with our inductees for 2025. As a result, our four inductees include two players, to be inducted in August, who have participated in previous Lions’ series, and later this year we will also reveal two outstanding females to be inducted at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
“Richard Hill and Matthew Burke have both been standout players on the international stage. Richard is consistently acknowledged by his peers as one of the most important cogs in the successful English teams of the late 90s and early 2000s, whilst also being a star for the British and Irish Lions across three series.
“Matthew Burke was a picture of consistency in his career with standout performances against the best teams on the biggest stages. He was a lynchpin in some of the most successful Wallaby teams of all time. Both men remain positive and influential figures off the field and represent the spirit and values of rugby in the highest capacity.”
What’s Next?
The rugby world now eagerly awaits the Lions vs. Wallabies Test in Sydney, where Burke and Hill will be immortalised in the Hall of Fame. Later in September, two trailblazing women will join them in rugby history during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
For fans worldwide, this is a moment to celebrate the legends who shaped the game both on and off the field.
