Waratahs and Wallabies great Tim Gavin inducted into Hall of Champions

Gavin joins Suzy Batkovic (Basketball), Alex Blackwell (Cricket), Murray Braund (Surf Lifesaving) and Pattie Dench (Sport Pistol), with AFL great Paul Kelly elevated to legend status.

The backrower cemented himself as one of the best number eights ever to grace the field in an illustrious career.

Gavin played 76 times for the Wallabies after debuting in 1988 against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Denied a chance to play in the successful 1991 World Cup due to injury, the Eastern Suburbs product played 25 straight internationals for Australia, including a significant role in the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.

As a Waratah, Tim played 83 games for NSW and was its inaugural Super Rugby captain in 1996.

Gavin broke through as a member of the undefeated 1991 team, winning against England, Wales, Argentina, New Zealand, and Queensland.

Gavin was inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame in 2018 for his contributions to the game which included serving as Rugby Australia President.

He was also named NSWRU President and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in NSW Rugby in 2022.

“The new inductees Suzy Batkovic, Alex Blackwell, Murray Braund, Pattie Dench and Tim Gavin reached the pinnacle in their chosen sport and paved the way for the next generation of athletes to aspire to reach greatness,” NSW Hall of Champions Committee Chair, Alan Whelpton AO, said.

He becomes the 23rd Rugby Union player to achieve the honour and the first since Phil Kearns in 2022.

It comes after Mark Ella became the first Wallaby to be elevated to 'legend' status by the organisation in 2020.