The South African Rugby Union on Wednesday congratulated Lynne Cantwell on her forthcoming induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Cantwell will be inducted on the eve of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final on 26 September in recognition of the part she played in inspiring Ireland to their first Six Nations title and a first-ever win over New Zealand at Women’s RWC 2014 in reaching the semi-finals.
The former utility back – who is Ireland’s most capped player – is now a highly respected administrator and voice in the women’s game, and is now the Irish Rugby Union’s Head of Women’s Strategy, having previously worked as High Performance manager for women’s rugby at SA Rugby.
“Lynne’s contribution to South African rugby – particularly in the women’s game – has been nothing short of transformative,” said Mr Alexander.
“At a pivotal moment, when our women’s rugby programme stood at a crossroads, Lynne stepped forward with clarity, conviction and purpose. She ignited our high-performance initiatives when direction was most needed, laying the groundwork for a resurgence that continues to inspire.
“Her strategic leadership, tireless advocacy and unwavering belief in our women athletes have reshaped the landscape of rugby in South Africa. Today, our national teams stand taller, our grassroots programmes run deeper and our future shines brighter – because Lyn dared to lead when few would.
“This honour is not only a celebration of Lynne’s legacy, but a tribute to the countless lives she has uplifted through her work. On behalf of SA Rugby and the broader rugby community, I thank Lynne for her extraordinary service, her courage and her enduring impact on the game we love.”
Cantwell was appointed in February 2021 by then director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, who head hunted her to overhaul SA Rugby’s women’s coaching and development programmes.
“We need rugby to be taught and endorsed from a women’s perspective; we have seen in the past that you cannot just copy a men’s programme and expect it to work,” said Erasmus.
Cantwell drove the expansion of the Springbok Women’s playing schedule as well as introducing an Under-20 team and starting the process to create a professionalised women’s league.
Cantwell will be inducted with England prop Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark, who was regarded among the world’s best scrummagers in a 15-year Test career that saw her play for England in four Women’s Rugby World Cups, winning the title at France 2014, and bowed out as her country’s most-capped player with 137 in 2018.
John Eales, Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel and a Hall of Fame inductee, said: “We proudly congratulate Lynne and Rocky on their elevation to the World Rugby Hall of Fame, recognising their exceptional on-field achievements and outstanding off-field contributions to the sport. Their careers exemplify rugby’s core values of integrity, respect, and solidarity. This honour, celebrated during Women’s Rugby World Cup, highlights their lasting impact on their nations and rugby’s global community.”
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