Peacock and Risman receive New Years Honours

Jamie Peacock and Bev Risman have been honoured in the Queen’s New Years Honours list.

The England captain has been honoured with an MBE, while former Rugby Football League president Risman has been granted an OBE. Both have been honoured for their services to rugby league.

Peacock has won seven titles at Bradford and Leeds, in addition to captaining Great Britain to a test series win over New Zealand in 2007.

Risman is a recent RFL president who won five caps for Great Britain. He joined Leigh after touring with the British and Irish Lions rugby union team. He later went onto join Leeds before becoming an administrator in the game, noticeably working with the Student Rugby League/

RFL chairman Richard Lewis said: “I would like to congratulate Bev and Jamie on their deserved recognition in the New Year Honours list.

“Bev is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in the rugby league world, someone who has worked tirelessly for many years to introduce young people to the sport and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of an OBE.”

England captain Jamie Peacock said: “I had to keep reading it to make sure it was right. I’m over the moon. It has been difficult keeping it a secret but it is the highest honour I have ever received.

“I have been involved in some very successful teams and I feel this is as much an honour for my team-mates. It is also good recognition for the game as well. There are some very good people involved in rugby league and this is very good for the game.”