Nora Stapleton to be honoured with Rugby Hall of Fame induction

Nora Stapleton, one of the most influential figures in modern Irish women’s rugby, will be formally inducted into the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame next week.

The Fahan woman, whose career helped transform the women’s game on and off the pitch, will be celebrated at the annual awards ceremony in the Guinness Storehouse, where former Ireland flanker Nigel Carr will also be honoured.

Stapleton earned 50 caps for Ireland between 2010 and 2017, emerging as a central playmaker during one of the most successful eras in Irish women’s rugby. A tactically astute out-half, she was a driving force behind Ireland’s breakthrough success in the 2013 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam and the 2015 Championship title. She represented Ireland at three Women’s Rugby World Cups, playing a pivotal role in one of the most famous moments in Irish rugby history: the 2014 victory over New Zealand, Ireland’s first ever win against the Black Ferns.

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Her influence has only deepened since retiring from international rugby.

Stapleton moved into development and leadership roles that reshaped the pathway for young players nationwide, first as the IRFU’s Women’s Rugby Development Manager and now as Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Lead. Her continued work in expanding participation, strengthening structures and advocating for equality has made her one of the most significant architects of women’s rugby in the country.

Nigel Carr, the second inductee, made a profound impact during his own all-too-short international career, winning 11 caps between 1985 and 1987 and starring in Ireland’s Triple Crown triumph of 1985. Regarded as one of the finest openside flankers of his generation, he was selected for the British and Irish Lions and represented the Barbarians.

Rugby Writers of Ireland Chairperson John Fallon said Stapleton and Carr “represent the very best of Irish rugby” and that their induction “honours legacies that continue to shape the sport.”

Next week’s ceremony will also see awards presented to the leading performers across the men’s and women’s Sevens and 15s programmes, alongside honours for Team of the Year, Club of the Year and the Tom Rooney Award. The Fred Cogley Award will be presented to journalists Frank Quinn and John D. O’Brien.