Ex-RFL chairman Richard Lewis made a CBE

Former RFL chairman Richard Lewis has been made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Lewis, who left the RFL in April 2012 after 10 years to become Chief Executive of The All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon, was also Chairman of Sport England until April this year and receives his CBE in recognition of his services to sports administration.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: “On behalf of everyone involved in the sport I would like to congratulate Richard on his CBE.

“During his 10 years in Rugby League Richard helped shape a governing body which continues to be regarded as a model of successful governance by other sports.

“Richard also played a key role in our bid to host Rugby League World Cup 2013 in the UK and I am sure the success of that tournament will be as important to him as his richly deserved CBE.”

Richard Lewis CBE said: “I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a very productive decade working in Rugby League, it’s a terrific sport which is in a very good place right now.

“I am grateful for the tremendous support I received from great people both within the RFL and from the whole sport. I know the future is good for Rugby League with some exciting plans for a new domestic structure and the start of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup just a few months away.

“The World Cup offers a great chance for Rugby League to showcase its appeal to national and international audiences and I am sure the sport will continue to grow in stature as a legacy of that tournament.”