Political Animals President receives MBE

The Political Animals RLFC has welcomed the recognition of its Honorary President, Mike Stephenson, for services to rugby league.

Stephenson was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league and sports broadcasting in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list. ‘Stevo’ was part of the Great Britain team who beat Australia to win the World Cup in 1972, and also played domestically for his home town Dewsbury. After hanging up his boots, he went on to front Sky Sports’ rugby league coverage, retiring in October 2016 after 26 years in broadcasting. Stephenson is also Honorary President of the Political Animals RLFC, a club comprising politicians from all levels and major political parties, which plays charitable and representative sides.

Club Captain and All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group Chairman, Greg Mulholland MP, said “The Parliamentary Rugby League Group has long called for greater recognition for the sport through the honours system, and I am delighted that Mike has been recognised for his services to rugby league. Mike was a key figure in the Great Britain team that won the 1972 World Cup and was an integral part of the Sky Sports rugby league commentary team prior to his retirement, and his honour is very well deserved.”

“I hope that the sport receives even greater recognition in the future, particularly for the excellent work done by rugby league volunteers in communities across the United Kingdom, and I encourage community clubs to consider nominating those who have made a sustained contribution to the sport for an honour.”