Rory Best enters Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame
Rory Best has been inducted into the Heineken Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished career.
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Former Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best has been inducted into the Heineken Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished career.
The former hooker was honoured alongside ex-Ireland internationals Niamh Briggs and John Muldoon at a ceremony held at the InterContinental Dublin on Friday, November 6.
Rory Best Honoured for Ireland and Lions Career
Best enjoyed a 14-year international career, earning 124 caps for Ireland and representing his country at four Rugby World Cups between 2007 and 2019.
He played an important role in Ireland's Grand Slam victories in 2009 and 2018 and captained the national team during their historic first victory over New Zealand in Chicago in 2016.
The former hooker also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, adding further international experience to his career.
Ulster Rugby Legend Celebrates Hall of Fame Recognition
At provincial level, Best made over 200 appearances for Ulster, establishing himself as a respected captain and influential figure within the organisation.
Reflecting on his induction, Best expressed gratitude to Rugby Players Ireland and highlighted the importance of sharing memories from his playing career with his family.
“It's a very special occasion for me and my family, and I'm hugely grateful to Rugby Players Ireland for bringing everyone together.
“Some of my greatest memories from my playing days are actually the moments I shared with my kids after games.
"As they get older, it's lovely to have opportunities like this to give them a fuller understanding of what the game meant to me, the people I shared it with and how much those experiences shaped our lives.”
The ceremony was hosted by former Ulster and Ireland teammate Darren Cave, with Ulster captain Iain Henderson among those sharing recollections of the inductees.
Having retired from professional rugby following the 2019 World Cup, Best continues his association with Ulster as the club's General Manager, a position he took up in October 2025.
