Parliament congratulates Rugby League Statue shortlist

by NRL

Members of the Parliament today congratulated the five players shortlisted to represent rugby league in statue form at Wembley Stadium.

A Motion tabled by Parliamentary Rugby League Group Chairman Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland on 4th July, recognised the "significant contributions" made to rugby league by each of Billy Boston, Alex Murphy, Martin Offiah, Eric Ashton and Gus Risman.

Mulholland said, "Given the very long association of Wembley with Rugby League going right back to the first Challenge Cup there in 1929, it is fantastic that rugby league will be represented alongside footballing legend Sir Bobby Moore. Members of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group have had a great deal of discussion about who we would like to see and those in the shortlist represent all that rugby league offers. We are very much looking forward to hearing who will be selected, and seeing the statue commemorating this great sport in place."

Group Member Lindsay Hoyle, who has campaigned for a the statue at the stadium, said, "Rugby League has a long and proud heritage, reflected in its association with Wembley Stadium. It has witnessed some of the world's finest athletes competing in epic battles and I can think of no more fitting a tribute for the sport than at the national stadium."

The full motion reads:

That this House congratulates Billy Boston, Alex Murphy, Martin Offiah, Eric Ashton and Gus Risman on being shortlisted to represent Rugby League in perpetuity as a statue at Wembley Stadium; recognises the significant contributions made by each player to rugby league; welcomes the debate the statue has created within this House and without; further congratulates those involved at the RFL and the FA in expediting the statue to be in place for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup; and looks forward to seeing the statue in place.

Next Group Meeting

The next meeting of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group is taking place on 10th July. Guest speakers are the RFL's Ralph Rimmer and David Gent who will be discussing Super League and the Community Game.

About the Parliamentary Rugby League Group

Comprising over 60 Members from both Houses of Parliament and all parties, the Parliamentary Rugby League Group works to support the sport of rugby league football and ensure the sport is represented throughout Westminster and Whitehall. More information is available on the Group's website: www.apprlg.org.uk

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