Rory Best

Rory Best, a prominent figure in rugby union, was born on August 15, 1982, in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. Best would go on to become one of the most successful and respected players in the history of Irish rugby, known for his leadership and exceptional skills on the field. Throughout his career, he played as a hooker, a pivotal position in rugby.

Rory Best made his international debut for the Irish national rugby team on November 20, 2005, in a match against the All Blacks, New Zealand's rugby team. This marked the beginning of a long and successful international career where Best would become renowned for his leadership and tenacity on the field, eventually captaining the team and earning over 120 caps.

On June 14, 2012, Rory Best captained Ireland for the first time in a match against the New Zealand Maori. This event marked the beginning of his role as a leader within the team, demonstrating his ability to inspire and rally his teammates. Best's leadership qualities would see him becoming the regular captain of the national team in the years to come.

Rory Best helped lead Ireland to victory in the 2015 Six Nations Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments in rugby union. Ireland's triumph in this championship under Best's leadership showcased his strategic thinking and ability to perform under pressure, further solidifying his status as a crucial member of the team.

On February 3, 2018, in a Six Nations match against France, Rory Best became the most-capped hooker in Irish rugby history, surpassing the previous record. This milestone represented a testament to his durability and consistent high-level performance over the course of his career. Best's achievement was celebrated by fans and marked by his exemplary play in that match.

Rory Best captained the Irish team to a Grand Slam victory in the 2018 Six Nations Championship, culminating in a memorable win over England at Twickenham. This victory marked only the third Grand Slam in Ireland's history, emphasizing the importance of Best's leadership and skill in guiding the team through a flawless campaign.

On November 10, 2018, under the captaincy of Rory Best, Ireland defeated New Zealand 16-9 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, marking a historic win. This was Ireland's first-ever home victory over the All Blacks, showcasing Best's leadership and the strategic prowess of the team. The match was a significant achievement in Irish rugby history.

As captain, Rory Best led the Irish national team during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. On September 23, 2019, Ireland played against Scotland, securing a decisive 27-3 victory. Best's leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through the tournament, which was one of the most significant events in his career before his retirement.

Rory Best played his final international match on October 19, 2019, during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final where Ireland faced New Zealand. Although Ireland was defeated, Best concluded his illustrious international career with grace and gratitude, having been a pivotal figure in Irish rugby and having accrued a remarkable number of caps throughout his career.

Rory Best was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame on July 1, 2022, in recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the sport. Known for his exceptional skills as a hooker and his leadership abilities, Best's induction celebrated his achievements, including leading Ireland to historic victories and being a two-time Six Nations winner.