WORLD RUGBY HALL OF FAME – INDUCTEE NO.137 – PHAIDRA KNIGHT

Born: 4 July, 1974 in Irwinton, Georgia, USA

Phaidra Knight was born and raised in the small rural town of Irwinton, Georgia. It was there where she learned the core values of dedication, commitment, hard work, and discipline – qualities that served her well in a highly-decorated rugby career that began in 1997 at the end of her first year as a law student.

Knight won 35 caps for the USA and appeared at three Women’s Rugby World Cups, in 2002, 2006 and 2010. In the first two tournaments, she was included in the All-Star team twice, and was named USA Rugby Player of the Decade in 2010.

Never one to shy away from the physical side of the game, Knight started out as a prop and concluded her playing days at hooker, but most of her 18 years on the field were spent as a tearaway flanker. The University of Wisconsin graduate also played for USA Women’s Sevens, from 2006-09.

Knight’s unswerving commitment to rugby continues to this day, as a coach, USA Rugby Board member, TV analyst and judicial officer.