Wigan Council Pushes for Rugby League Legends to Receive National Honours

Wigan Council has pledged its support for a campaign to secure long-overdue recognition for rugby league legends in the UK honours system.

Despite the sport’s 130-year history, no rugby league player has ever been awarded a knighthood or damehood for their services to the game – an issue that council leaders say needs to change.

At the March full council meeting, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, called for an end to the injustice in the honours system, highlighting that other sports have seen their stars rightfully recognised, while rugby league greats have been overlooked.

🔹 Cllr Molyneux said:
“It is a real shame that none of the greats of the game have been given the recognition they deserve through the honours system, in comparison with other sports. For many of us, Kevin Sinfield’s unbelievable charity feats have brought this to the forefront of our minds. But we also believe we have had some excellent local candidates in Billy Boston and Alex Murphy.”

Wigan Council will now write to the Honours Committee, formally backing the campaign, which has already been raised in Parliament by Makerfield MP Josh Simons, St Helens North MP David Baines, and Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is also President of the Rugby Football League.

📢 A Proud Rugby League Town
Cllr Molyneux reaffirmed Wigan’s strong rugby league heritage, stating:
“We are proud to be a rugby league heartland, and we know the crucial role our clubs, both amateur and professional, play within our communities. It is such an important part of our culture and heritage, and we will always champion its values and traditions.”

With Wigan leading the charge, could this be the moment rugby league finally gets the recognition it deserves?

💬 What do you think? Should rugby league greats be honoured? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#WiganRugby #HonourOurLegends #RugbyLeague #WiganCouncil #WiganSport