British Asian Rugby Awards Celebrates Excellence in Rugby League

Outstanding contributions made by British South Asians in the professional and community game have been celebrated at the inaugural British Asian Rugby Awards in Westminster.

The awards were introduced earlier this year to inspire engagement, spotlight role models, and boost South Asian representation in rugby at every level.

The dual-code event, which was organised by the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) and supported by both the RFL and RFU, highlights the positive impact of individuals from the South Asian community, as well as being a platform to drive change.

Players, coaches, schools and clubs were recognised at the ceremony hosted by RFL President the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP in Speakers House at the Palace of Westminster.

Over 100 people were in attendance for the landmark event, including Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinksi who presented 18-year-old Hamza Butt with the Outstanding Talent Award – the Burnley born centre is currently signed to the Warriors Academy after impressive spells with Wigan St Pats and then Leigh Miners Rangers.

Huddersfield Giants and Bradford Bulls were also amongst the evening’s winners in recognition of their efforts to make Rugby League inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

Dr Ikram Butt, BARA founder and the first British South Asian to represent England in either code, says: “This represents a milestone moment as the awards recognise the success of South Asians who have inspired others, changed perceptions, and impacted their communities. Hosting the event in Parliament underscores its importance and the growing recognition of representation and inclusivity in sport.

“BARA has always sought to use rugby as a medium for social change, cultural understanding, and to foster community cohesion. At a time when society faces challenges like race riots and Islamophobia, sport can unite people, break down prejudices, and promote a sense of belonging.”

Tony Sutton, RFL CEO, added: "It was an honour to attend the British Asian Rugby Awards in Speaker’s House. Rugby League is all about coming together, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for all so we are really excited to be supporting BARA in their latest initiative – and I was delighted that a number of our leading clubs were also represented. It was so inspiring speaking to all the award winners, and we will continue to champion their efforts for years to come.”

Ben Abberstein, RFL Senior EDI Partner, explained: “It was uplifting seeing so many people from the South Asian community who are involved in Rugby League come together. We are glad that, through BARA and the British Asian Rugby Awards, we are able to amplify their voices so that their stories can inspire future generations.”

British Asian Rugby Awards Winners:

Rising Star Award – Nimrah Gul (Halifax Panthers)

Outstanding Talent Award – Hamza Butt (Wigan Warriors & Wigan St Judes)

School Sport Excellence Awards – Parkinson Lane Primary & Olive Tree Primary

Inclusion Awards – Manjinder Nagra & Beena Chadha

Grassroots Excellence Awards – Mick Johal & Humayun Islam

Professional Club Awards – Huddersfield Giants & Bradford Bulls

Coach of Excellence Award – Navneet Sembi

Community Excellence Awards – Zeinab Drabu & Starr Zaman

International Excellence Award – Nasser Hussain

BARA Hall of Fame Inductees:

Jaswant Chatha

Mandip Sehmi PLY

Manjinder Nagra

Jagmohan Johal

Junaid Malik

Syed Ali

Mamminder Singh Samra