Phiadra Knight Joins World Rugby Hall of Fame

Phaidra Knight will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame on November 10, 2017 in Rugby, England. At the ceremony, she will be part of a class of five inductees along with Argentina’s Felipe Contepomi, Al Charron of Canada, Englishman Rob Andrew and Fabien Pelous of France.

Knight played stellar rugby internationally at both prop and flanker. Later is her career, she also played hooker. As a Women’s Eagles player, she earned 35 caps and was named USA Rugby Player of the Decade in 2010 by Rugby Magazine.

USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne said “Phaidra’s hard work and dedication to the game on the field garnered this well-deserved recognition. She now continues that effort toward growing the game with her work off the field as well.”

Knight said “I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be a part of this amazing class inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. To be among rugby’s greatest players is something I never imagined as a black girl growing up on a small farm in rural Georgia.”

“I fell in love with this sport 20 years ago and it remains my longest love affair. I hope to give back a fraction of what it has given me.”

Knight will be the second American Woman honored by World Rugby, following Wing, Patty Jervey, who was inducted in 2014.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont 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.”

Knight wore the Eagles jersey for three Women’s Rugby World Cups, in 2002, 2006 and 2010. In the first two tournaments, she was included in the All-World Team twice. Knight also played for USA Women’s Sevens, from 2006 to 2009. She is committed to rugby today, as the head coach of Monroe College Women’s Rugby team, as a USA Rugby Board member, a TV analyst, and as a judicial officer.