Rugby League: Unsung hero of rugby league Harrison honoured

Jan 2 2008

ROGER Harrison, the unsung hero of rugby league in Halton, has expressed his delight after receiving an award in the New Year’s Honours List.

Harrison, 58, has been at the centre of rugby league in Widnes and Runcorn for nearly 40 years. As secretary and head coach of Widnes Schools Rugby League Association he has been awarded an MBE for services to school sport.

He said: “I am honoured and privileged to receive such an award for doing something which I enjoy so much.”

Harrison, headmaster at St Gerard’s Primary and Nursery School in Widnes, has churned out some of Britain’s leading rugby league talents, including Great Britain stars David and Paul Hulme as well as Widnes Vikings sporting director Terry O’Connor and Widnes back-rower Paul Noone.

Harrison paid tribute to colleagues at Widnes Vikings and his fellow schools coaches, who he says are jointly responsible for his award.

He said: “I wouldn’t have got this MBE if it wasn’t for people like Phil Meade, Jimmy O’Grady and John Foran who have done so much work for schools rugby league in this area.”

Harrison also heads up Widnes Vikings World Class Scholarship Scheme.

Richard Lewis, executive chairman of the Rugby Football League, saluted the Widnes school master.

He said: “It's great news that people involved in rugby league have once again featured in the New Year’s Honours. Roger Harrison is a true unsung hero of the game who has done a huge amount in developing rugby league in the north west.”