Leeds Rhinos and England Wheelchair Rugby League stars Tom Halliwell and James Simpson have both been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours having been part of the England Wheelchair World Cup-winning team last year.
Halliwell, who works for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation as a Development Officer, has been awarded an OBE having captained England to World Cup glory in 2022.
Former soldier James Simpson, who retired from playing after the World Cup Final win, has been awarded an MBE. He is inspiring the next generation of Wheelchair players as Head Coach of the Leeds Rhinos side after over a decade of playing for the club.
Halliwell commented, “This is the cherry on top after we won the World Cup and put Wheelchair Rugby League on a whole new platform. Working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation is also something I am incredibly proud of. I never expected to get an OBE but it is nice for our sport to get this recognition and put Wheelchair Rugby League on the radar in the highest offices of the land.
“The recognition of a number of members of the England squad puts our players in the public eye, which is great for Rugby League as a whole. The dream would be for us all to receive our awards together, I am so proud of all the other players and the hard work and dedication it took to win a World Cup. I am also pleased for Leeds Rhinos that myself and James have been recognised. Leeds is a great club and has backed us all to do what we want to do and I am very grateful for that support,” added Halliwell.
Simpson had to retire from the army after suffering life-changing injuries after being struck by an IED whilst on patrol in Afghanistan in 2009. Commenting on his award, he commented, “I am immensely proud to receive this award on behalf of my sport and my family. When I think about the journey I have been on since my injury, this award is a symbol of everything I have achieved over the last ten years. When I go to the Palace to receive my MBE, I will proudly wear my military medals and then have my MBE next to them which perfectly sums up my life so far. This is a great honour and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me down the years to give me the opportunities I have had.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Chief Executive Officer Bob Bowman QPM added, “On behalf of everyone at Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Rhinos, I would like to congratulate Tom and James on their recognition in the Birthday Honours. They are both true inspirations to everyone in our city having made history last year in the World Cup.”