Rugby legend Emilee Cherry joins World Rugby Hall of Fame

A country rugby icon that inspired generations of players is set for one of the greatest honours in World Rugby: a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame. Read about the regional Queenslander’s latest achievement.

Australia’s Emilee Cherry heads for the try line during pool match between Australia and France on day one of the 2018 Sydney Sevens series. Picture: Getty Images

Even in retirement Emilee Cherry is proving to be a world beater.

Cherry will join Cheryl McAfee as just the second Australian woman in the World Rugby Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Growing up in Roma, the rugby sevens legend first tried her hand at rugby when she attended Toowoomba’s Fairholme College.

“It is an absolute honour to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame,” Cherry said.

“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.”

As the first Aussie to win World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year (2014) Cherry inspired a generation of girls and young women to test themselves in the rugby arena.

With her trademark speed she burst onto the scene in her Australia debut at the 2012 Dubai Sevens series – scoring seven tries.

Emilee Cherry and Dominique du Toit both played Rugby Sevens when they attended Toowoomba’s Fairholme College. Picture: David Swift.

Cherry won rugby sevens gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games silver and featured in two Rugby World Cup Sevens campaigns.

She scored 131 tries in 159 series games.

“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,” Cherry said.

“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.”

Bears players Paige Carpenter and Taylor Logan chase Roma’s Meg Jakins during a Downs Rugby Sevens match. The Darling Downs women’s rugby sevens competition is named in honour of Roma’s Emilee Cherry. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Cherry will join the Hall of Fame as member 167 and will be inducted alongside New Zealand’s DJ Forbes and Chris Laidlaw, Italy’s Sergio Parisse and Scotland’s Donna Kennedy.

New World Rugby chair Brett Robinson, who was born in Toowoomba, praised the new inductees.

“This Sunday, we will be welcoming five legends from four nationalities into the World Rugby Hall of Fame,” he said.

“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.”