Twelve legends of the game will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at a special ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the physical visitor experience in Rugby, England on 17 November.  

Four England players, three Welshmen, a Scot, an Irishman, a Japanese legend, an Australian and a Canadian will be honoured at the ceremony, which will also be attended by a host of other rugby luminaries as the Hall of Fame establishes a physical home for the very first time.

The full list of new inductees (with induction number and country) is:

Brian O'Driscoll (121, Ireland), Shane Williams (122, Wales), Jeremy Guscott (123, England), Lawrence Dallaglio (124, England), Heather Moyse (125, Canada), John Dawes (126, Wales), GPS Macpherson (127, Scotland), Arthur Gould (128, Wales), Jonny Wilkinson (129, England), Daniel Carroll (130, Australia and USA), Daisuke Ohata (131, Japan) and Maggie Alphonsi (132, England).

Among them are North American rugby players Heather Moyse and Daniel Carroll - who both earned Olympic glory.

Described as Canada's best female athlete, the multi-talented Moyse represented Canada at rugby, cycling and bobsleigh. She won two gold medals in the two-woman bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics in 2010 and 2014. A devastating finisher, the winger-cum-full-back made 22 international appearances for Canada in 15s and starred in two Women's Rugby World Cups (2006 and 2010), scoring a tournament best seven tries in each (equal with New Zealand's Carla Hohepa in 2010). After breaking her right ankle in Canada's final game at WRWC 2010, Moyse took up cycling as part of her rehabilitation and was selected to compete for the national team at the Pan-American Track Cycling Championships in 2012. Despite not having played rugby since WRWC 2010 and undergoing surgery to her hip, Moyse then returned to her first sporting love and helped Canada to second place at Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.

Daniel Carroll was a double Olympic gold-medalist with his native Australia in 1908 and then as player-coach of the USA rugby team in 1920. A gifted utility back and the youngest member of the squad at age 20, Carroll made a significant contribution to the successful 'First Wallabies' tour of the northern hemisphere in 1908-09, scoring twice as Great Britain were defeated at the Games in London. Having made his test debut against Wales on that tour, Carroll had to wait another four years for his second cap – against the USA in California. Carroll stayed on in America to study and was capped three times by his adopted country, whom he served with distinction during World War I as a lieutenant in the US Army. His second USA cap came as player-coach against France at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. His tactical know-how was invaluable to an otherwise inexperienced squad and the USA defied their underdog status to win 8-0. He passed away in 1956 aged 67.



World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, who will be in attendance at the induction ceremony this week, said: "The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises 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 are truly some of the biggest names in our sport and all have contributed immensely to the enjoyment we have all felt watching top-level rugby over the decades. Each of these 12 inductees has made a positive impression on the sport that will last the test of time.

"While the Hall of Fame has been in existence for some years, it is exciting that finally it will have a permanent home and fitting that it should be in the town that gave our game its name, Rugby. The physical Hall of Fame will be a wonderful focal point for the game and will attract fans from all over the world to relive the great exploits of rugby's most prominent and talented individuals.”

For more information about the World Rugby Hall of Fame click here.

For members of the public, the World Rugby Hall of Fame opens as a physical attraction in Rugby, England at 10am on Friday 18 November. Entry is free but can be booked in advance here.