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18 WORLD RUGBY YEAR IN REVIEW 2015International rugby came to Newcastle for the first time when South Africa played Scotland at St James’ Park during Rugby World Cup 2015, and the historic occasion was given even more gravitas when Nelson Mandela was posthumously inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame at a special ceremony prior to kick-off.Former South African President Mandela provided one of the most iconic images in Rugby World Cup history when he presented Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup in 1995 while wearing the Springbok jersey, once regarded as a symbol for the apartheid regime he tirelessly strove to overthrow. Twenty-seven of his 95 years on earth were spent in captivity as a result of his brave fight for freedom and racial equality, yet Mandela’s generosity of spirit and forgiveness knew no bounds.By putting past injustices to one side with no thoughts of retribution, Mandela showed there was a better way forward while also reinforcing the value that rugby is a vehicle for bringing people together. A previously divided nation had come together as one, and 20 years on tens of thousands of South African and Scottish rugby supporters did the same on a joyous weekend in Newcastle which, had he been alive, Mandela would have no doubt fully embraced.South Africa’s Hon Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Gert C Oosthuizen MP, and Pienaar were present to receive the commemorative Hall of Fame cap from World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset on his behalf.“The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an indelible mark on our sport through feats on the field of play, displays of great character or through their tireless and inspirational work in driving forward SALUTING THE GREATS OF THE GAMETwenty-six legends of the game were inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame during Rugby World Cup 2015.our great game,” said Lapasset. “Mandela certainly fits in that category. He was instrumental in turning Rugby World Cup 1995 into a momentous occasion that united the South African nation through the power of sport.“By supporting the Springboks so passionately and publicly on their way to victory, Mandela helped to change attitudes, soften hearts and convince minds of the right course of history for his country to take and, in the process, became a wonderful example to us all.”A fortnight earlier, five of Mandela’s countrymen were inducted into the Hall of Fame, alongside 20 other greats, as Wembley Stadium prepared to stage the pivotal Pool C match between New Zealand and Argentina.Players from the pioneering days of the sport in Victorian times through to the professional era were recognised for their contribution to rugby whether as a player, coach or, in Bill McLaren’s case, as a broadcaster without peers.Eighteen captains of their country were inducted, Fergus Slattery and Mervyn Davies just two of the names that ‘The voice of rugby’ McLaren once reeled off in his unforgettable BBC commentaries.With seven inductees Wales enjoyed the highest representation of any one country. Joining twice-capped coaching guru Carwyn James on the list were many of the players who benefited from his wisdom in that halcyon period of success in the 1970s.All of the inductees received framed caps with family members representing those individuals who have long since passed away such as war heroes and former England internationals Ronald Poulton-Palmer and Edgar Mobbs.