Rugby league authorities say their players have been "poorly treated" by the honours system, as pressure grows for a first knighthood or damehood for the sport. The sport has gone 130 years without such an honour. "It is surprising and disappointing that the relevant authorities have still not deemed anyone worthy of a knighthood or damehood for their services to rugby league," said a spokesperson for the Rugby Football League, which governs the sport. The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, added his voice, telling BBC News the lack of rugby league knighthoods "cannot be right" when other sports, including rugby union, have had such honours "quite regularly". The leader of a cross-party group of MPs who support rugby league has suggested the "scandal" of the lack of top honours for stars of the sport was linked to snobbery and class prejudice. "This, I suspect, is because they come from working class backgrounds, didn't go to the right schools, and didn't mix in the right social circles," said David Baines, chair of the all-party Parliamentary rugby league group. "Well enough is enough. It's 2025, and myself and other MPs are clear it's time for things to change." Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is a former president of the Rugby Football League, said: "Rugby league has a long and proud history and is littered with examples of players who have excelled in the sport and inspired future generations to play the game." He says there is something wrong when the sport "cannot boast one single player, over its 130-year history, who has received a knighthood". "I want to see rugby league given the recognition it deserves and hope this will be addressed in the near future," said the Speaker. In contrast, rugby union, often seen as having more middle class roots, has been getting knighthoods for more than 100 years. Among more recent rugby knights was Sir Bill Beaumont, awarded "for services to rugby union football" in 2018. There have been many other sporting knighthoods and damehoods, including in athletics, yachting, football, golf, tennis, horse racing, cycling and rowing. Next weekend will see the sport's showcase Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. And speaking on behalf of the MPs' rugby league group, Mr Baines said the lack of such an honour for rugby league was an unfairness to "some of Britain's greatest sporting heroes". That included "legends of the game who overcame racial and class prejudice such as Billy Boston and Clive Sullivan, to modern heroes on and off the pitch like Kevin Sinfield," said Mr Baines. England starKevin Sinfieldhas raised more than £10m running for causes related to motor neurone disease, in memory of his late teammate Rob Burrow. Billy Bostonwas a celebrated Welsh-born rugby league player from the 1950s and 1960s, who is now aged 90. A petition was launched earlier this year to award him a knighthood. "We do believe rugby league has historically been poorly treated in terms of recognition in various ways, including honours lists," said a spokesman for the Rugby Football League. There have been honours, such as CBEs and OBEs, but no knighthoods.The Prince of Wales personally gave Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow their CBEs last yearat the ground in Leeds where they used to play. ABBC analysis earlier this yearrevealed that a disproportionately low number of top honours, such as knighthoods and damehoods, were going to people from the north of England and working class backgrounds - which overlaps with the rugby league heartlands. In the most recent New Year Honours only 6% of higher awards went to people in the north of England and 4% to people from working-class backgrounds. The government has recognised there are problems with under-representation in the honours and an independent chair is being recruited to improve diversity and outreach. "The government wants to ensure that the honours system reflects the diversity of UK society. Anyone can nominate someone who has made an exceptional contribution to be recognised," said a government spokesman. Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysisevery week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK cansign up here.
Rugby league anger at no knighthoods in 130 years
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rugby League Calls for Recognition Amid 130-Year Absence of Knighthoods"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Rugby league authorities have expressed significant frustration regarding the absence of knighthoods and damehoods for its players, highlighting that the sport has not received such recognitions in its 130-year history. A spokesperson for the Rugby Football League (RFL) articulated that the current honors system has inadequately acknowledged the contributions of rugby league players, which has led to growing calls for change. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, echoed these sentiments, stating that it is unacceptable for rugby league to lack the same honors that have been awarded to athletes in other sports, particularly rugby union. Hoyle emphasized the proud history of rugby league and the number of players who have significantly contributed to the sport, urging that it is time for the system to recognize these contributions appropriately.
The discussion around the lack of honors has also raised concerns about potential class biases within the honors system, with David Baines, chair of the all-party Parliamentary rugby league group, suggesting that the absence of knighthoods for rugby league stars may stem from snobbery regarding the working-class backgrounds of many players. He pointed out that the sport has produced legends who have faced racial and class prejudice, yet have made remarkable contributions to the game, such as Billy Boston and Clive Sullivan. Additionally, modern players like Kevin Sinfield have made significant impacts both on and off the field, raising substantial funds for charity. Despite the recognition of various honors like CBEs and OBEs, the lack of knighthoods remains a point of contention, especially given that research indicates a disproportionate number of top honors are awarded to individuals from the north of England and working-class backgrounds. The government has acknowledged these disparities and is working towards reforming the honors system to better reflect the diversity of UK society.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the longstanding discontent within the rugby league community regarding the absence of knighthoods or damehoods for its players over the past 130 years. This situation has prompted calls for recognition in the form of honors similar to those granted to athletes in other sports, particularly rugby union. The sentiments expressed by rugby league authorities and politicians suggest a perceived injustice rooted in class discrimination.
Perceived Inequality in Honors
The rugby league community feels that their contributions are undervalued compared to other sports. Officials, including Sir Lindsay Hoyle and David Baines, emphasize that the lack of recognition may stem from class bias, as many rugby league players come from working-class backgrounds. This notion of snobbery against a sport traditionally associated with the working class raises questions about the broader social dynamics at play in the honors system.
Historical Context and Comparison with Rugby Union
Rugby league's absence of knighthoods is contrasted sharply with rugby union, which has had an established history of awarding such honors. The mention of figures like Sir Bill Beaumont serves to highlight the disparity between the two sports and suggests that systemic biases may play a role in the honors distribution process. This juxtaposition serves to amplify the call for change within rugby league.
Public Sentiment and Political Engagement
The article indicates a growing political movement advocating for rugby league players to receive the honors they deserve. The involvement of MPs in this discourse suggests that the issue transcends the realm of sports and enters the political arena, potentially influencing public opinion and policy regarding sports recognition.
Potential Implications for Society and Sports Culture
The push for knighthoods in rugby league could foster a greater sense of pride and legitimacy for the sport, possibly attracting new fans and participants. Conversely, if the current state of affairs continues, it may perpetuate feelings of exclusion among rugby league supporters and players. This situation could influence social dynamics within the sporting community and beyond, as discussions of class and recognition take center stage.
Trustworthiness of the News
The article appears to be grounded in factual statements, with quotes from credible sources such as Sir Lindsay Hoyle and David Baines. However, the passionate tone and focus on class bias suggest an agenda to provoke a strong emotional response from readers. While the core issue is legitimate, the framing may be intended to galvanize public support for the cause.
In conclusion, the article presents a compelling case for the recognition of rugby league players through honors that have historically been overlooked. The underlying themes of class prejudice and social justice resonate with broader societal conversations, making this a relevant topic for both sports enthusiasts and the general public.