Vicky Molyneux, the Wigan Warriors forward who called time on a distinguished international career last November, is the first recipient of a President’s Award from Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.
The award will be presented at the RFL President’s Ball at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Saturday week, January 13.
The President’s Award was introduced by the Rugby Football League in 2019 to recognise inspiring work to change lives and communities through Rugby League, and achievements by players, coaches and volunteers which bring the sport to new audiences.
Andy Burnham presented the first Award to Lindsay Anfield as a pioneer for women in coaching, and she has since been followed by five further winners, selected by Burnham’s successors as President – Tony Adams MBE and Clare Balding CBE.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons, officially succeeded Clare Balding as RFL President at the 2023 President’s Ball, and accepted the invitation earlier this year to extend his term to a second year in 2024.
In informing Vicky Molyneux of her award, Sir Lindsay said: “This award is in recognition of a true trailblazer for Women’s Rugby League – which has been one of the sport’s greatest success stories over the last decade or so.
“You were one of an historic group who played in the first England international in 2007, holding heritage number 3.
“That would be impressive enough, but to have returned as a mother to the international set-up in recent years, including in last year’s World Cup, is a truly remarkable achievement – and will be an inspiration to future generations, as it has already been to your team-mates.
“The praise you rightly received when you confirmed your international retirement after the game against Wales in November was a clear indication of the respect in which you are held.
“I was delighted that the Wigan club recognised your special contribution by elevating you into their Hall of Fame, but I know your contribution to the sport reaches beyond Wigan, with the coaching and development you have done at the Rochdale Mayfield community club.
“Through all of this, you have been a superb ambassador for the sport of Rugby League as a whole, and for Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League in particular.
“You join an exclusive and distinguished group to have received President’s Awards, as my predecessors Andy Burnham, Tony Adams and Clare Balding have previously recognised only six former winners – and you become only the second to receive the award while still playing, following in the footsteps of Reece Lyne in 2020.”
RFL President’s Award – previous winners
2022 – Dr Richard Lawrence
2022 – Tracey Herd (Movember)
2020 – Mark Adams (Community Integrated Care)
2020 – Dr Gemma Phillips (Hull KR and England RL)
2019 – Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity)
2019 – Lindsay Anfield (Castleford Tigers)
