The RFL today celebrates a half century of members of the sport’s Roll of Honour – with four women among the five latest additions, reflecting a deliberate attempt to correct a previous lack of recognition of women’s contribution to Rugby League over the last 127 years.
Julia Lee, Jackie Sheldon, Julie Stott and Sue Taylor have been recognised for their pioneering contribution across Rugby League through recent decades – whether in refereeing, campaigning, coaching, journalism or administration and volunteering with a specific focus on the community game – lifting the number of women in the Hall of Fame to 11.
They are joined by Ian Laybourn, the long-serving and hugely respected Rugby League correspondent of the Press Association, to bring up a round 50 of names on the RFL Roll of Honour - which was introduced in 2003 to recognise individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the game across both playing and off-field service.
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL Chief Executive, said: “As Rugby League celebrates a World Cup which will set new standards for inclusion, with the Women’s tournament to kick off in a matter of days, it is fitting that we provide overdue recognition of the contribution women have made to the sport, on and off the field.
“The addition of four more women to the RFL Roll of Honour, all of whom have been trailblazers in making an immense contribution to Rugby League without previously receiving the recognition they deserved, follows the announcement last month of Brenda Dobek, Lisa McIntosh and Sally Milburn as the first three women to join the Rugby League Hall of Fame – and also the addition of Mary Sharkey to the Roll of Honour earlier this year after her years of outstanding service to the Wigan club.
“It is a pleasure and an honour to congratulate Julia, Jackie, Julie and Sue – and also Ian Laybourn, who has covered the sport with diligence, wisdom and care for almost five decades, and joins Julie Stott with the other outstanding journalists on the Roll of Honour.”
There will be a special Rugby League ‘Pride of the Lionesses’ event, to recognise women who have made outstanding contributions to Rugby League, at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 9th November – before England Women’s last group game of the World Cup, against Papua New Guinea.
Around 400 people are expected to attend the event which will honour over 100 former GB and England Lionesses, who played in the 1990s and early 2000s. They will receive their caps and heritage numbers for the very first time.
The dinner will be supported by two women who have also been pioneers in televised sport in general, and Rugby League in particular - Clare Balding CBE, and Tanya Arnold.
Tickets cost £50 and include a two-course meal, overlooking the iconic Headingley Stadium, plus a match day ticket for both Canada versus Brazil at 5pm and England versus Papua New Guinea at 7.30pm. To book your ticket contact admin@csi2012.co.uk or call 07740634082.
