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Best, Briggs and Muldoon to enter Hall of Fame

Rugby Players Ireland is delighted to announce that Rory Best, Niamh Briggs and John Muldoon will be inducted into the Heineken Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame at a special lunch in the InterContinental Dublin on Friday, 6 November.

Since 2003, the Hall of Fame has recognised those who have made an outstanding contribution to Irish rugby. While on-field achievement in taken into account, we also celebrate the influence they have had on their teammates, the wider game and the community.

This year’s inductees represent three remarkable careers, each distinguished by leadership, commitment and an enduring connection to the people and teams they represented.

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Rory Best was one of the defining figures of a hugely successful period for Irish rugby. Across 124 international appearances, the Ulster hooker established himself as one of the most respected captains in Irish rugby history. A member of the historic Grand Slam-winning side of 2009, he was central to Ireland’s Six Nations successes in 2014 and 2015 before going on to captain his country to a third Grand Slam in 2018.

A two-time British & Irish Lions tourist, Best was admired throughout his 15-year professional career as much for the standards he set and the example he provided as for his considerable achievements.

Since retiring, Best has remained closely involved in the game, most recently taking up the role of General Manager at Ulster Rugby. His contribution beyond rugby has been equally significant, with charitable initiatives including Miles to Mayo raising over €4 million for Cancer Fund for Children.

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Niamh Briggs was at the heart of a generation that transformed the fortunes of Irish women’s rugby. A key figure in Ireland’s historic 2013 Grand Slam, she was also instrumental in the team’s march to the  2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, before going on to captain Ireland to another Six Nations title in 2015.

Across 62 international appearances, Briggs established herself as one of the outstanding players of her era, while her contributions to Munster Rugby and UL Bohemians further cemented her standing in the game. She has since continued to support the development of women’s rugby through coaching and player development.

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Few players are more synonymous with a province than John Muldoon is with Connacht Rugby. Over a remarkable 15-season playing career spent entirely with his home province, he amassed a record 327 appearances, becoming a symbol of loyalty and resilience. His defining moment came in 2016 when he captained Connacht to their historic first PRO12 title. Named Player of the Match in the final victory over Leinster at Murrayfield ten years ago, Muldoon embodied the determination and collective spirit that had carried Connacht to an unprecedented achievement. An Ireland international and Barbarian, he subsequently moved into coaching before returning to Connacht in 2023, continuing an association that has shaped much of his life.

Speaking ahead of the occasion, Simon Keogh (CEO, Rugby Players Ireland) said:

“The Hall of Fame is about more than the honours and achievements that fill a player’s CV. It’s about recognising those who have left an indelible mark on our game, not only through what they achieved, but also how they went about it.

“Rory, Niamh and John each have remarkable stories to tell. They were at the heart of some of the most memorable days in Irish Rugby history, but what stands out is the respect and affection they earned along the way. They gave an enormous amount to their teams, their provinces and the game itself, and their influence continues to be felt today.”

The Heineken Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame Lunch will bring together the inductees’ families and friends, current and former players, and members of the wider rugby community to celebrate the remarkable careers and achievements of all three players.

Event details

Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
Venue: InterContinental Dublin

A limited number of places are available. For further information or booking enquiries, please contact info@rugbyplayersireland.ie.