Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame

Former Springbok flyhalf Joel Stransky and former All Blacks loose forward Zinzan Brooke have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame as the first members of the class of 2026. The induction ceremony was held during a special dinner in Cape Town ahead of the second Test match between South Africa and New Zealand.

Stransky is widely recognized for his role in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, where he scored all 15 of South Africa’s points, including the decisive extra-time drop goal. He earned 22 Test caps for South Africa between 1993 and 1996.

Brooke, a 1987 World Cup winner, was noted for his unique ability to combine the power of a forward with the skill set of a back. He earned 58 Test caps for New Zealand over a 12-year career. The remaining five inductees for the 2026 class are expected to be announced on September 7.