Wigan Warriors chairman Professor Chris Brookes honoured with MBE after decades of service to rugby league

Wigan Warriors chairman Professor Chris Brookes has been awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to rugby league.

The honour recognises Professor Brookes’ contributions to the sport through his work with the Rugby Football League and England Rugby League, alongside a distinguished career in the NHS, where he helped shape policy, advance medical knowledge and improve outcomes for countless individuals and organisations.

Professor Brookes is one of three rugby league figures recognised in this year’s honours list. Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield will receive a knighthood for his services to rugby league and the motor neurone disease community, while Wakefield Trinity great Neil Fox has been awarded a CBE for his services to rugby league and the wider community.

“It is the highlight of my professional life to receive this honour,” said Brookes.

“Rugby league - and particularly its magnificent players - have been a huge part of my life for the past 30 years, ever since I started providing medical care to the Chorley Academy in 1996.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many amazing people, and I am grateful as well as humbled that my efforts have been considered worthy of this recognition.

“To have received this news just after Orrell St Peter’s, Wigan Warriors Women’s and Men’s teams have been successful at Wembley has made it extra special.

“Wigan has been an important part of my life for the past 20 years, and I am massively proud to represent Wigan Rugby League as Chairman.

“I am truly grateful for the unstinting support and encouragement I have received from the town, the fans and all my friends and colleagues at Wigan Rugby League ever since I first started with the Cherry and Whites in season 2007.

“Rugby league is a wonderful sport, and I am delighted most of all that my honour has been awarded for services to rugby league football.”

Brookes has served the game in a variety of medical and leadership roles over more than three decades and has been a key figure at the Warriors since joining the club in 2007.

Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski paid tribute to Brookes following the announcement, praising the impact he has had both on the club and the wider sport.

“In a sport that often celebrates the tries, the tackles and the trophies, Doc represents something even more important - the people who quietly dedicate themselves to making everyone around them better,” said Radlinski. “His leadership, integrity and wisdom have shaped our club, our game and countless lives beyond rugby league.

“What makes this recognition so fitting is that Chris has never sought recognition. He has simply turned up, done the right thing and held everyone to the highest possible standards. He has always believed that excellence is not an event but a habit.

“As chairman, he has been a trusted adviser, a calming influence and a moral compass for Wigan Warriors. He combines world-class professional achievement with genuine humility, and those qualities have earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.”

Warriors owner Mike Danson said everyone connected with the club was delighted to see Brookes’ contribution recognised.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Wigan Warriors, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Chris on being awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours,” said Danson.

“This is a richly deserved recognition of a lifetime dedicated to service, leadership and excellence. Chris has made an extraordinary contribution to rugby league, not only through his work with the Wigan Warriors and the RFL but also his work on brain health, leading the way on a safer game.

“We are immensely proud to call him our chairman and delighted to see his outstanding contribution recognised at the highest level. Everyone at Wigan Warriors congratulates Chris and his family on this very special achievement.”