Former Irish rugby international Lynne Cantwell will be inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame later this month.
Ireland's most capped women’s player (86) was a key figure in the country’s rise in the international arena, with career highlights including a Women’s Six Nations title and Grand Slam and a prominent role in Ireland’s historic first win over New Zealand at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, a result that propelled the team to a maiden semi-final appearance.
The award also recognises her impact on the game since hanging up her playing boots more than a decade ago.
In 2021 she assumed the role of high-performance manager for women’s rugby, with the union’s president Mark Alexander describing her impact as "phenomenal".
Cantwell started her role IRFU’s head of women’s strategy in January of this year.
"This recognition is not only a testament to her extraordinary achievements on the pitch, from Six Nations triumphs to World Cup milestones, but also to her unwavering commitment to growing the women’s game across Ireland and the globe," IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said.
"Her leadership inspires not just the next generation of players, but everyone connected to rugby in Ireland."
Cantwell, along with former England international Rochelle 'Rocky’ Clark, will receive the prestigious honour at a special ceremony on 26 September, on the eve of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final.
