The missing – some of the famous figures who should be included as a matter of urgency

THE World Rugby Hall of Fame is very much work in progress and inductees seem to come in batches, either by theme or country, but ten years into the project there are still some alarming omissions that need to be rectified as soon as possible.

If I had any influence in the corridors of power I would rush through an immediate special ‘corrective’ list of 14 individuals who should be included with immediate effect. After that we can return to the annual topping up process.

Ian Smith (Scotland):

The original ‘Flying Scotsman” even though he was born in Melbourne and schooled in New Zealand. Didn’t play rugby until he went up to Oxford where he was an instant sensation with his speed and sinuous running. Until Brian O’Driscoll overtook him held the Championship try-scoring record with 24. One of the alltime greats.

John Pullin (England):

Still England’s greatest ever in my opinion. Captained his country to Test wins over New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in the space of 18 months. Ever present for the Lions in the 1971 Test series, the only nonWelshman in THAT Barbarians try in 1973 and the captain who delivered rugby’s most celebrated after-dinner speech ever, right,

WJA Davies (England):

Welsh born England fly-half who was at the very heart of four England Grand Slams either side of the Great War. Was never on the losing side in the Championship and onlyl lost once in 22 Tests, against South Africa in 1906?

Thomas Crean (Ireland):

Star forward for Ireland during their first two Championship winning seasons of 1894 and 1896. Played in all four Lions Tests against South Africa in 1896, captaining the side in the last two games. Awarded the VC for heroism while serving as a medic in the Boer War

Diego Domginguez (Italy):

Nobody has ever struck a rugby ball better than Dominguez who amassed an astonishing 983 points in 74 Test for an Italy side that won less than 40% of their games. Add in the 27 points he scored for a Pumas XV in Tests against Chile and Paraguay and his total of 1,010 is still fifth on the all-time list

Pat Lam (Samoa):

Great man of Samoan rugby and indeed rugby generally. Made his debut at 1991 World Cup where he wa a star turn in the Samoa side that reached the quarter-finals and an inspirational captain in 1995, when they again reached the last eight, and 1999 when Samoa reach the quarter-final playoffs.

Al Charron (Canada):

Brilliant all-purpose back five forward who would have been a world star playing for one of the bigger teams. Emerged as the go-to man in the Canada pack that saw the Canucks often punch way above their weight throughout the 1990s. Finished up with 76 caps in 14 seasons of Test Rugby

Mario Ledesma (Argentina):

Distinctive figure with his balding head and rolled down socks, Ledesma would be right up there on most critis’ short-list when considering the greatest hooker in history. Fundamental, alongside Gus Pichot and Felipe Contepomi, in the rise and rise of Pumas rugby during the noughties.

Romeo Gontineac (Romania):

Being a Romanian rugby player is no bed of roses but despite everything Gontineac’s class and loyalty always shone through as he spearheaded their efforts at four World Cups. Kept the embers of Romanian rugby glowing when the game could have disappeared altogether in that country.

Lisandro Arbizu (Argentina):

Won 85 caps during 16 years of Test rugby between 1990 and 2005. Silky smooth flyhalf/centre who would have slotted effortlessly into the current Pumas team. Instead

played a massive role in leading and inspiring a less talented but no less passionate era of Pumas players who laid the foundations for greater glories.

Errol Tobias (South Africa):

Earl Tobias, left, was the talented outside back – fly-half and centre – who fought his way through the race barriers in the 70s and early 80s when apartheid still held a firm grip. Had almost give up at the age of 31 when he finally became the first ‘Black’ Springbok against Ireland in 1981

Vernon Pugh (Wales):

Enlightened WRU and IRB chairman who saw in which direction the game was travelling. Worked tirelessly to drag the sport kicking and screaming into the professional arena and also understood how the game must become truly international. It was Pugh who started the serious courting of the IOC

Diego Ormaechea (Uruguay):

The rock around which Uruguayan rugby was built for 20 years. Looked like a prop but played No 8 in 73 Tests between 1979 and 1999 which culminated with him leading Uruguay at the 1999 World Cup. Also coached Uruguay at the 2003 World Cup when they recorded a win over Georgia.

Rochelle Clark (England):

England’s most capped rugby player, right, male or female, having chalked up 115 Test appearances to date. Has been playing international rugby since 2003 and tasted World Cup glory with England in 2014.