Top 10 Players: Donna Kennedy
Who are the best women's players to have ever played the game? We pick our Top 10 since the test game began in 1982 and today we pick out Scotland legend Donna Kennedy who was capped 115 times for her country.
Published by Alison Donnelly, October 29th, 2015
3 minute read
Donna KennedyMajor teams: WorcesterPosition:Number 8Country: ScotlandTest span:1993-2010
The world record caps holder in the women's game with 115 - Donna Kennedy's legacy in the game is not just down to her longevity, but also due to the leadership and tenacity she brought to her many years in the Scottish shirt.Ending her hugely impressive International career at the 2010 World Cup, where Scotland finished eighth, may not have been quite how the standout Scot would have wanted to bow out, but her career at the highest level remains hugely impressive.Kennedy made her debut in 1993 against Ireland in what was Scotland's first ever women's international. A year later, the Scots hosted the 1994 World Cup and that event, won by England, provided the platform for women's rugby to take root north of the border.That Kennedy, then 38, was part of the tournament in 2010 was something of a surprise as the back row "retired" from the game after the last tournament, in 2006, but was persuaded to rethink for the next year's Six Nations, before announcing her retirement again a year later. She just couldn't keep away!Kenney, who won the IRB/World Rugby women's player of the year award in 2005, was at the forefront of setting high standards for her country. It was no coincidence that her career in the back row coincided with an era where Scotland were often feared for their prowess up front with Kennedy regarded as one of the toughest players in the game.She has made a successful transition top level coaching with Premiership side Worcester as Director of Rugby and she has been involved in numerous Scottish national team set ups.A huge servant not just for her country but for the entire women’s game, regardless if her record caps holding is ever surpassed, she is a true icon of the sport.
Top 10 Women's Players Ever: List so far
Nathalie AmielGill Burns
The top ten best women's players ever originally appeared in Rugby: The Greatest Players, from the makers of Rugby World magazine and was written by Ali Donnelly. Find out who the 130 best male players are, position by position, in the bookazine - on sale in WHSmith until 19 November in the UK.