Rugby Sevens legend Emilee Barton (née Cherry) is set to receive the highest honour by being inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame at the annual awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday evening.
Barton will become the 20th Australian to join the prestigious group and only the second Australian woman since Cheryl McAfee (2021) to officially be inducted.
She is the second inductee in Australian history to come from the Rugby Sevens program.
Barton will join the Hall of Fame as member #167, joining New Zealand pair DJ Forbes and Chris Laidlaw, Italian Sergio Parisse and Scotland’s Donna Kennedy to be inducted in 2024.
The 32-year-old retired from Australian Rugby in 2020 following a successful career before recently finishing up as an assistant coach with the Women’s Sevens team.
The foundation player was the first Australian to win World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2014, going on to play a crucial role in the historic Olympic campaign in Rio 2016.
Barton burst on the scene with a debut for Australia in Dubai in 12, scoring seven tries – including a hat-trick against USA.
In total, Barton scored 131 tries in 159 series matches, becoming only the second female to reach 100 series tries.
She is a veteran of two Rugby World Cup Sevens and a Commonwealth Games silver, as well as that Olympic triumph.
Barton has utilised her considerable experience and knowledge of the game being involved with both the RWC Sevens 2022 and Commonwealth Games successes as well as the Olympic Games Paris 2024 campaign.
World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Emilee Barton said: “It is an absolute honour to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
“I grew up in Roma and played other sports but I found my niche in touch football and as luck would have it I was scouted to Rugby Sevens, a path which I didn’t see coming.
“I fell in love with this exhilarating sport, won an Olympic gold medal four years later and now have a life full of incredible friends and memories I will cherish.
“I feel very lucky to have been a part of the Aussie Women’s Sevens team for 12 years, as a player then on the coaching staff. I love the team and everything we have stood for.
“I feel lucky and privileged to have played my part in the fabric of Women’s Rugby Sevens and can’t wait to sit back now and watch the next generation of legends pave their own way.
“I would like to thank David Nucifora and Ant Eddy for the foresight to scout and introduce me to the game, Tim Walsh and Scott Bowen for their belief in me and their continued investment in the Aussie Women’s Sevens program, and of course to my Mum, husband and family for all their continued love and support.”
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “This Sunday, we will be welcoming five legends from four nationalities into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
“These inductees, representing both Sevens and 15s, have graced our sport with their remarkable talent, enduring dedication, and performances at the highest level.
“On behalf of World Rugby, I extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them for their incredible achievements and the inspiring legacy they have left, which continues to resonate throughout the game.”
Barton will be joined by Australian Rugby stars Maddison Levi, Maya Stewart and Caitlyn Halse, who have all received nominations at the World Rugby Awards.
The trio will attend the ceremony on Monday morning (AEDT) in Europe following outstanding international seasons in Rugby Sevens and 15s respectively.
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2024 inductees
No.167 – Emilee Barton (Australia)
No.168 – DJ Forbes (New Zealand)
No.169 – Sergio Parisse (Italy)
No.170 – Donna Kennedy (Scotland)
No.171 – Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand)
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