Scotland legend Donna Kennedy is one of five players that will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame this weekend.
Scotland’s most-capped player, male or female, was a stalwart of the women’s national team for much of the first two decades of its existence.
She made her Test debut as a second row in Scotland’s first international in February 1993, helping the side to a 10-0 victory against Ireland.
Kennedy played in her first Women’s Rugby World Cup a year later and featured in four more editions of the global tournament.
In 2004 she moved out of the back row – where she had become a keystone of the Scotland pack – to win four caps on the wing.
That same year she overtook England’s Gill Burns to became the world’s most-capped women’s player when she played her 74th Test and stretched her tally to 115 by the time she retired. England’s Rocky Clark surpassed her total in 2016.
Her cap record and positional versatility led to her being named World Rugby’s International Women’s Personality of the Year in 2004.
“It’s like the damehood of rugby isn’t it? Getting that email through to tell me the news, it was just like ‘wow!'” said Kennedy, who played in 95 of Scotland’s first 100 Tests.
“It feels so surreal but it’s such an honour. I feel like this recognition isn’t just about me, and I really mean that.
“It’s recognition of the journey I’ve been on with Scotland Women. I hold it up for everyone – players and coaches – it’s not just for me.”
The Biggar native was a coach with the Scottish Rugby Union and also took charge of English club Worcester after ending her playing career.
Kennedy, Emilee Cherry of Australia, New Zealanders DJ Forbes and Chris Laidlaw plus Sergio Parisse of Italy will enter the Hall of Fame on Sunday.
The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
