Habana on becoming Hall of Famer: ‘dreams do come true’
Bryan Habana has shared an emotional message in response to the news of his imminent induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
World Rugby has announced that five players, Habana, who left their indelible marks on the World Cup will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the World Rugby Awards in Paris on 29 October.
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The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game of rugby throughout their careers, while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
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Former Springbok speedster Habana, who holds the SA mark for the most Test tries (67 in 124 Tests), scored a record-equalling eight tries as South Africa lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in France in 2007.
Habana will be joined by Dan Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dusautoir (France), George Smith (Australia) and Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina).
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EMOTIONAL HABANA HUMBLED BY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
“From the KES U/14 to Springbok number 766 and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee number 166,” wrote in a beautifully post on Instagram.
“Where does one even start?” he questioned.
“Inspired by a group of men in “95 to play this beautiful game … never in my wildest dreams did I comprehend how it would change my life!! To every family member, loved one, friend, teacher, coach, supporter, critic, administrator that was was on my journey… Thank you.
“Immensely grateful to have been blessed with a talent from God to live out my dream and to proudly represent my country for as long as I did…
“Extremely humbled by the World Rugby committee that bestowed this incredible honour on me. Testimony that with hard work, sacrifice, discipline, dedication and perseverance(and a little luck)… dreams do come true!!!”
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WORLD RUGBY HALL OF FAME 2023 INDUCTEES
No.162 – Dan Carter (New Zealand)
No.163 – Thierry Dusautoir (France)
No.164 – George Smith (Australia)
No.165 – Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina)
No.166 – Bryan Habana (South Africa)
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