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The Rugby Football League has voiced its discontent with how players from the sport are treated within the honours system, highlighting the absence of a single knighthood or damehood in its 130-year history. A spokesperson for the organization expressed surprise and disappointment over the lack of recognition for individuals who have contributed significantly to rugby league. This sentiment was echoed by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who emphasized the disparity in honours between rugby league and other sports, such as rugby union.
David Baines, chairman of the all-party Parliamentary rugby league group, attributed this discrepancy to snobbery and class prejudice, alleging that individuals in rugby league are overlooked due to their working-class backgrounds and lack of access to privileged social circles. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a former president of the Rugby Football League, emphasized the need for rugby league to receive the acknowledgment it deserves, highlighting the absence of knighthoods within the sport as a longstanding issue that needs to be rectified. He emphasized the historical achievements of rugby league players and advocated for a change in how the sport is recognized.
As the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium approaches, discussions around the lack of honours for rugby league players have gained more attention. Members of the MPs’ rugby league group have spoken out against this disparity, emphasizing the exceptional contributions of players like Kevin Sinfield, who has raised millions for charity. Despite some recognition in the form of CBEs and OBEs, there is a glaring absence of knighthoods for individuals within rugby league, prompting calls for reform within the honours system to address issues of under-representation, particularly for those from working-class backgrounds and the north of England.
Recent statistics have highlighted the imbalance in honours distribution, with a disproportionately low number of top awards going to individuals from working-class backgrounds and the northern regions of England. The government has acknowledged these disparities and is taking steps to improve diversity and outreach within the honours system. Efforts are being made to ensure that individuals who have made exceptional contributions, regardless of their background, are appropriately recognized for their achievements
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