New year honours only for elite sport

AS I read through the new year honours list for sporting achievement it once again comes as no great surprise that the establishment sports figure prominently.

Cricket and rugby union, closely associated with our ruling class, were showered with MBE and OBE awards as usual, while other sporting achievements were conveniently overlooked.

In particular, I point to the

achievement of the England rugby league team, who reached the World Cup final and almost toppled Australia from their perch as the strongest team in the world.

Not one player or coach associated with the team made the honours list which, sadly, reflects its elitist approach.

I commend those who have received an award but, regrettably, the system remains tarnished with its bias towards those with the right connections rather than being simply based on true merit and achievement in one’s sporting sphere. COUN ROB HIGGINS Friends of Rugby League Newcastle City Council