Bok hero, All Black legend inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
NEWS: Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke are the first of seven modern greats to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame as the class of 2026.
The contributions of former Springbok flyhalf Stransky and All Blacks No.8 Brooke were celebrated at a special dinner in Cape Town on Thursday ahead of the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between South Africa and New Zealand.
Both Rugby World Cup winners on home soil with New Zealand in 1987 and South Africa in 1995 respectively, Brooke and Stransky also faced each other in the last Test series between their two nations 30 years ago.
Stransky kicked all of South Africa’s points in the 1995 Final, including the extra-time drop goal that ensured his place in Springbok rugby folklore. The flyhalf played 22 Tests for South Africa from 1993-96, scoring six tries and 240 points in the green and gold jersey.
Former All Black Brooke, who famously kicked a drop goal in the RWC 1995 semifinal against England, was a player with genuine x-factor, combining the skills of a back with the power of a back row. He started 54 of his 58 Tests for New Zealand across his 12-year international career.
The remaining five members of the class of 2026 will be announced on Monday, September 7 and will take the number of inductees to 182 since the Hall of Fame began in 2006.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “On behalf of the global rugby family, I would like to congratulate Joel and Zinzan, two players I had the privilege of playing against, on their richly deserved inductions into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
“Joel’s name will forever be linked with one of rugby’s most powerful and unifying moments, his winning drop goal at Ellis Park in the Rugby World Cup 1995 final giving us the iconic image of Nelson Mandela in a Springbok jersey alongside captain Francois Pienaar as a nation came together.
“Zinzan, himself a Rugby World Cup winner in 1987, challenged what people thought a forward could be with his skill and imagination, from his commanding presence at number eight to that unforgettable drop goal from distance in 1995.
“I also look forward to welcoming the rest of the class of 2026 to the Hall of Fame.”
John Eales, Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel and a Hall of Fame inductee, said: “This year’s inductees represent the very best of our sport with extraordinary talent matched by humility, leadership and an unwavering commitment to rugby’s values. From World Cup-winning moments etched in history to the quiet, tireless work many have done to grow and champion the game long after their playing days, each of them has shaped rugby for the better. On behalf of the Hall of Fame, I warmly welcome them into the fold.”
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2026 inductees
No.176 – Joel Stransky (South Africa)
No.177 – Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
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