Former Hull FC head coach receives honorary degree

Lee Radford led the team to Challenge Cup victories in 2016 and 2017.

Lee Radford smiling at the camera. He is wearing a graduate's cap and gown. His cap is black with red tassels and his gown is red and blue. He is standing in a large theatre on a platform
Lee Radford said getting the honorary degree "was never anything I expected in my life" [Jasmine Lowe/BBC News]

A former rugby league player and coach who led his team to Challenge Cup victories has been awarded an honorary degree in his home town.

Lee Radford, former head coach at Hull FC, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Hull for his contribution to sport and community development.

Radford said: "It's not something I ever expected, but it is something I'm really proud of."

Radford made his debut for Hull FC in 1998 when he was 16, becoming the team's youngest ever player.

An audience applauding Radford while he is shaking the Dean's hand on the stage.
Radford coached 202 games for Hull FC between 2014 and 2020 [Jasmine Lowe/BBC News]

After retiring from playing 13 years ago, Radford said he enjoyed his role as a coach.

"It's that proud father feeling when you see the boys lifting a trophy," he said.

Radford said, when he was told the news about being awarded the honorary degree, he "genuinely thought it was a wind-up".

"Being here today is really quite humbling," he said.

As head coach, Radford led Hull FC to Challenge Cup victories in 2016 and 2017.

He was appointed as Scotland's rugby union defence coach in October 2025.

In a speech to university graduates, he said self doubt and failure could push you on to "great things".

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Category: General Sports