MBE is ‘honour for the town’

Jun 19 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A DEDICATED rugby league coach has received his MBE for services to sport in schools across Halton.

Roger Harrison, 58, headmaster of St Gerard’s school in Widnes, was presented with his medal by The Queen at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

The award particularly notes his dedication to schools rugby league, in which he has been involved for 36 years.

Halton Service Area rugby league co-ordinator and Halton Under 11s coach Roger claims that he would not have achieved the award, had it not been for the excellent work of those who have helped him throughout the years.

Roger, from Widnes said: “It is an honour for my family and friends, my school, Widnes and England Schools Rugby League and Widnes Vikings.”

Roger, who previously taught at St Bede’s, St Michael’s and Fisher-More schools in Widnes, has helped to produce more than 60 professional rugby league stars, including current Vikings players Scott Yates and Dayne Donoghue.

He also helped to oversee the development of ex-internationals such as Bobbie Goulding, Terry O’Connor and David and, through Lancashire involvement, Paul Hulme, as well as present-day Super League stars like Sean Long, Kevin Sinfield and Paul Sculthorpe.