Bryan Habana has penned an emotional tribute to his supporters on social media, as the former Springbok wing is among the latest inductees to World Rugby’s Hall of Fame.
World Rugby on Tuesday revealed that Habana will be joined by Dan Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dusautoir (France), George Smith (Australia) and Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina) in being inducted into the Hall of Fame during the awards evening on 29 October in Paris.
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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.
After the announcement was made, Habana published an emotional post on his Instagram page, thanking those who had supported him through his glittering career.
He wrote: “Where does one even start…
“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, and administrator that 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 @worldrugby 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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Habana was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year for his stunning contribution to South Africa’s Rugby World Cup 2007 victory, becoming the second Springbok to receive the award after Schalk Burger in 2004.
The lightning-quick winger, who once famously took on a cheetah in a sprint race, was nigh on unstoppable at the tournament in France, finishing as the top try-scorer after touching down a record-equalling eight times.
Habana scored two more tries at Rugby World Cup 2011, to become the Springboks’ all-time leading try scorer, and added a further five in his tournament swansong in 2015 to take his overall tally to 15 and draw level with Jonah Lomu as the men’s Rugby World Cup all-time leading try scorer.
Photo: Getty Images
