A trailblazer as a player, Burgess becomes just the tenth woman to be included in to the fabled list to become inductee No.142 and joins alongside fellow legends Stephen Larkham, Ronan O’Gara, Pierre Villepreux and Bryan Williams.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame presented by Tudor recognises those who 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.
Burgess, known throughout women’s rugby world-wide as ‘Bird’, was at the forefront of Welsh women’s rugby for nearly three decades. During an illustrious playing career, she played in Wales’ very first international against England in 1987 where she led the side from No 8.
Twenty years later and with 93 caps to her name, including six appearances for Great Britain, she finished her Test career in the 2007 Women’s Six Nations.
Burgess captained Wales on 62 occasions, participated in six World Cups – four as a player and two as assistant coach – and was assistant coach for the inaugural Barbarians women’s team last year.
Burgess, who is currently assistant coach at Gloucester-Hartpury, is simply overwhelmed with the honour.
“I’m lucky to have played a sport I love and to be honoured in this way is unbelievable. It’s genuinely difficult to put into words how I feel. All the other players being inducted are all phenomenal,’ she said.
“I’m just really honoured to be inducted alongside Stephen Larkham, Ronan O’Gara, Pierre Villepreux and Bryan Williams who are all legends of the game.
“This award has come out of the blue and something I would never have expected but hopefully it shows that women’s rugby is here to stay.”
Former Wales captain Rachel Taylor, who earned the first of her 67 Wales caps in Burgess’s first year as an assistant coach in 2007, paid tribute to the indomitable and talismanic leader.
“To me, she was a massive key driver for motivation to get a starting position. When I first started she told me I was fifth choice second row – she didn’t hold back but was always open and honest which is the right way to do things,” she said.
“This honour for Bird is really good for women’s rugby as she’s made a lot of sacrifices and it’s really important for the game that there is this sort of acknowledgement and recognition and hopefully it is encouragement for others.”
World Rugby Chairman and Hall of Fame inductee Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Hall of Fame importantly acknowledges and celebrates the true legends of the game, celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions throughout their careers while embodying rugby’s values.
“On behalf of the rugby family we would like to congratulate this year’s five new inductees, Stephen Larkham, Ronan O’Gara, Pierre Villepreux, Byran Williams and Liza Burgess as they are recognised and honoured for their immense contributions to rugby.
“Each have left their mark on the sport and through their achievements and character, inspired millions to play and support rugby worldwide, and we look forward to honouring them in the coming weeks.”
Fellow World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee and Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel John Eales said: “It is an honour to recognise the contribution of our newest inductees who, over different eras, have inspired generations of rugby players and supporters. Through their induction, they represent the many thousands of men and women who have made our game great.”
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2018 inductees:
* Stephen Larkham (Australia), Inductee No.138
* Ronan O’Gara (Ireland), Inductee No.139
* Pierre Villepreux (France), Inductee No.140
* Bryan Williams (New Zealand), Inductee No.141
* Liza Burgess (Wales), Inductee No.142
