Rugby League Investigation; Part 2

Ikram Butt

Thinking about sporting heroes for Asians in Britain, names such as Imran Khan and Sachin Tendulkar will constantly be mentioned, but one man who continues to be overlooked is Ikram Butt.

For someone who has left a lasting legacy on the sport of rugby league in this country, being the only British Asian to play for Great Britain at international level, he deserves more recognition than he receives from his community.

Young children growing up who are searching for someone to idolise in sport, need not look further than Butt.

“South Asians are just as passionate about sport as anyone else,” the 40-year-old explained when asked about his lack of appreciation.

However, he went on to say: “There are many barriers which need to be broken down and bridges to be built so that the sport is more inclusive to the wider community.”

It all began at the age of nine, when he participated in rugby league at school. With his older brother Khurshid also playing the sport, he felt it was a natural progression for him.

The support given by his father meant he could pursue his goal of becoming a professional, and at the age of nineteen he followed in the footsteps of hero John Holmes, by making his first team debut for Leeds.

But it was a successful five year period at Featherstone Rovers where the centre or right winger made his mark on the game, leading him to gain international honours in 1995.

“Representing Great Britain was the proudest moment in my career,” he reminisced gleefully.

In spite of this, there have been incidents in his career which he would rather forget.

“Unfortunately, there were instances when I was a victim of racism from spectators and even opposing players,” he said glumly.

Butt continued by describing a particular experience. “An occasion I remember vividly is when a player racially abused me. I made the match official aware of this who wrote it down in his report.

“The disciplinary panel found him guilty and, subsequently, banned him for the maximum eight games.”

A fair punishment you may feel for the treatment that Butt got, yet he wasn’t ready for the blow he was about to receive.

The aggressor appealed against the decision and, amazingly, the original verdict was overturned and the player was let off.

And actions like could be why Asians would not want to get involved in a sport that is predominantly followed by the white, working-class.

An outsider looking in would like to be welcomed and made to feel wanted in territory they haven’t entered before.

Butt feels the problem stems from the top.

“I wonder if certain individuals in key positions within rugby league really do want to make the sport more inclusive to the South Asian communities.”

“There are many people involved in the game, in senior roles, who lack the awareness and understanding of engaging with their community,” he suggested.

This could be seen as a serious problem if the authorities are lacking the fundamental knowledge of the way to communicate and interact with the minorities.

Due care and attention is required to make sure that people aren’t being left out or neglected because of their background or culture.

But to combat this, the RFL have appointed an Equity and Diversity Manager, who will be working to get more people involved in the sport.

By doing this, it shows they are looking to make a positive impact on the wider regions that may have been left untouched in the past.

And Butt is optimistic that this can finally be a breakthrough to find a future Super League star.

“I am in no doubt that rugby league would be fully embraced by British kids of South Asian origin. They can play a significant part in developing the game at all levels,” he believes.

The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) was founded by Ikram Butt himself, to encourage South Asians to participate in rugby league.

The launch of BARA was aimed at sending out a strong message showing that they do enjoy playing rugby league.

It also provided a way to give some acknowledgement to individuals who have played the game at a very high level.

Following the launch, BARA competed in a number of games against various teams including Batley Bulldogs to initially promote its objectives, as well as, offering Asian role models through sport.

In addition, BARA organises coaching education courses so that there are more people from South Asian backgrounds who are qualified to assist others.

In turn, they are able to connect with children and young people to raise their aspirations.

“BARA will continually strive to make rugby league more inclusive to the wider South Asian communities. This is why we are currently lobbying parliamentarians to force the issue upon the rugby league governing bodies,” said Butt.

It seems he is on a quest to single-handedly spread the game around Britain. Being the first British Asian to represent England, around 16 years ago, it is worrying that no-one has followed in his path.

Saquib Murtza has the accolade of being the first Asian player to sign for the Sheffield Eagles. Plying his trade in the second-row, he is someone that is unique in National League One.

However, Bradford Bulls have a player in their junior academy who is ranked highly by the club.

Abdul Khan, who signed for the Bulls from amateur side Shaw Cross, is seen as the one with the potential to, one day, emulate Ikram Butt.

And head-coach Steve McNamara feels that Khan has the capability to do well in the sport and described him as “a big, strong lad who is adapting himself well.”

He continued by saying: “Coming from a cultural background that is not renowned for producing rugby league players, he can attract people to the club and bring supporters to the ground.”

But the question remains whether individuals like Murtza and Khan, and organisations such as BARA can be the reason why there may be more Asian participation in the sport.

Shamoon Hafez

Rugby League Investigation; Part 1

Tony Smith

Take a trip to Batley’s Mount Pleasant stadium or Bradford’s Odsal, clubs that are geographically located in dense, Asian populated areas and you would expect to see some in the stands.

A game that customarily appeals to the northern, working-class folk that live along the M62 corridor, surely it is a sport ideally targeted at the Asian people?

But having migrated from South-east Asia in the late 60s to work in the factories of Yorkshire and Lancashire, the majority decided to stick to their native sport of cricket.

Some became fans of football, the national sport of their new country, with Liverpool being a popular choice because of the success they were achieving during that era.

Later generations then started to support Manchester United for the same reason, but none were interested in rugby league.

Kids grow up wanting to be the new Wayne Rooney or Steven Gerrard but if asked whether they want to emulate Bradford youngster Sam Burgess, you’re sure to get a mystified look and a reply of “Sam who?”

After England’s poor performance at the World Cup, questioned were asked as to whether the country has the correct infrastructure at grassroots level to produce quality talent like Australia does.

Maybe it is time to look at the alternatives available, in order to change the fortunes of Smith’s floundering set-up.

Despite areas such as Batley, Bradford and Salford having a large Asian community, the RFL and clubs have failed to tap into this vast market.

It is well known that traditionally, football and cricket is the sport they enjoy playing and watching.

Supporters regularly flock to Old Trafford and Anfield to sing for their teams, but Batley Bulldogs and Bradford Bulls remain devoid of British Asian fans, despite the stadiums being on their doorsteps.

And they are even paying more for this pleasure, taking into consideration the difference in ticket prices and cost of travelling.

Yet enough isn’t being done to include rugby league in this as well.

This is something which has been echoed by Tony Smith, two-time Grand Final winning coach who said; “There is an effort to increase awareness of the sport to the Asian people, with relationships being built between themselves and the RFL.

We would like to do a lot more and there is a willingness on that part from our side.”

Smith went on to say: “It’s easy to be critical about these things but we have to be encouraged, we have to be happy with the work and effort being done from our perspective, and from others as well.”

However, if players who are picked to represent their homeland, then go on to perform poorly, it must act as a wake-up call for the authorities to get something done.

Whilst the ECB selectors give young Adil Rashid a chance by taking him on the tour to the West Indies, rugby league gets left behind when there is an opportunity to uncover Asian talent.

“I’m not sure that we have portrayed our game in the correct way in the past. We need to portray it in the right way to the wider community,” explained Smith.

This is an admission that there could be an ‘us and them’ culture within the sport.

Followers of rugby league could feel that they are born into the sport as their ancestors have been part of it, and feel intruded by people trying to join in.

But the Australian, turned British citizen, thinks it is about talking to the people and showing them what the game is about and how it is played.

“It is a tremendous sport once you get an understanding of it and that is down to how we educated non-rugby league followers.

It is really important because we need to get out there and explain some of the rules, what the game is about, and how much of it really is a family sport,” he said.



This is one of the reasons why Asians might be reluctant to get involved, as the concept may be difficult to grasp to someone new.

For instance, you can kick a football in any direction and the goalkeeper is the only one who can handle it, provided that he is in his area.

Whilst in rugby league, the ball can only be passed backwards and downward pressure on the ball is required for a try to be awarded.

Easy enough, but then come the complexities.

The numerous reasons why a penalty may be awarded, what a double-movement is and the momentum rule, something that even rugby league enthusiasts will struggle to define.

A more logical explanation as to why Asians may be put off is their culture and upbringing.

Parents who have lived in India or Pakistan will push their children towards cricket, a non-contact sport, or football, one that is relatively safe if played properly.

Rugby league, on the other hand, can be seen as a violent game where you put your body on the line and are likely to risk getting hurt.

However, Asians can take heart from watching their own in a more brutal sport.

‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed, former boxing Featherweight champion, and Amir Khan, who won a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, are two role-models they can aspire to.

Strong mental, as well as, physical strength is required to succeed in such demanding and hard-hitting sports and it remains to be seen, whether any aspiring Asian kid, will step up to the plate in rugby league.

Abdul Khan is one that has been in the Bradford Bulls youth set-up for a couple of years, but has yet to break into the first team.

Nevertheless, Smith has words of encouragement for those who are interested in the game.

“I feel the Asian community would excel at the game as there are many aspects about them which would suit rugby league and so if we create more awareness we can achieve this,” he said confidently.

With such high praise coming from the top of the game, we may, belatedly, see someone following in the footsteps of Ikram Butt.

Shamoon Hafez

Revenge on the agenda for Saints

And so the Rhinos bandwagon rolls on to Knowsley Road, for the biggest match of the Super League season so far.

Locked at the top of the table with an inform Hull FC side, Leeds’ 100% record will be firmly put to the test.

The word on the minds of the Saints’ players whilst stepping out on the pitch will surely be vengeance.

Two consecutive Grand Finals pitted these giants together, in which Leeds triumphed on both occasions.

Yet Mick Potter’s men will, once again, be the side that will challenge for the top prize.

Having lost out to the Rhinos in the last two years, Sean Long and co. will be hurting and looking to exact some retribution.

“I hope we meet again at Old Trafford, but are able to beat them this time. It will be a difficult season but I am confident it will be a Saints-Leeds encounter,” said Long at the beginning of the season.

Bluey’s boys haven’t hit top gear at anytime this season, but there is one man who is now beginning to be acknowledged for his work.

Unsung hero Carl Ablett, who was given the man of the match award against Wigan, is a man of few words, although he did give his view about his role in the dressing room and on the pitch.

“We’ve got a few loud ones who do all the talking, but we can’t all be like that,” said a shy Ablett.

He went on to say, “I prefer to be the quiet ones and let others take the credit.”

An intense rivalry has been forged between the two teams, and the fixture may now be seen as the one they look forward to more than their own enemies.

With Bradford struggling at the wrong end of the table and Wigan having already suffered three defeats, St Helens vs. Leeds must class as the number one match-up in the league.

A fast, free-flowing game of rugby league can be expected with a result too tight to call.

Will the Saints go marching in for a victory, or the Rhinos continue the season by marching on together?

Shamoon Hafez

Rhinos looking to maintain winning streak

The champions continue their Super League campaign as Wigan head into town in, what should be, a feisty encounter.

A win against the cherry-and-whites will consolidate their position at the top of the pile and keep the 100% record intact.

The 14-20 win over former coach Tony Smith’s side Warrington, showed the guile and determination of the players.

Danny McGuire’s try proved to be the match winner, as the Wolves were left rooted to the bottom of the table, leaving Smith with a big job on his hands.

However, they come up against a side that have picked up form, having started the season awfully.

Last weeks’ 44-10 demolition of Bradford showed how dangerous Brian Noble’s men are, even though some fans were calling for his head after just three games.

And the home side will be wary of this, as Noble has masterminded wins over the Rhinos on occasions in the past.

Yet, crucially, it has been Leeds who have come out on top in the final eliminator against Wigan in the past two years.

The victories gave them a passage into two Grand Finals, and we all know what happened after that.

Brent Webb returns to the side for his first game of the campaign after back surgery, having been out of action since last season’s game against Wigan.

Sadly, he was also unable to take part in his country’s World Cup triumph, something which will have been a bittersweet feeling for him.

Affectionately known by the fans as ‘Superman’, he will be hoping to continue his impressive record of 35 tries, in 47 games for the Rhinos.

Keith Senior misses out again with a shoulder problem and so Lee Smith should fill in, with Webb taking back his place at full-back.

A tight contest is on the cards, but Leeds should have enough to halt Wigan’s recent revival, piling the pressure back on Noble.

Shamoon Hafez

Bore draw in the West Indies- test cricket at its worst

Coming from a background where cricket is our number one sport, I have grown up to appreciate test cricket and the beauty of a cover drive.

The finest player to ever grace such shot is former national team captain Michael Vaughan, under whom, England experienced their finest hour, after reclaiming the Ashes in 2005.

The 20/20 phenomenon is just a commercial gimmick, as any old Dick can smash a ball around a ground when there are only three fielders outside the circle.

The first test defeat against the West Indies, after a measly 52 all out, has to classed as one of the worst performances by a test nation, and meant England were, once again, a laughing stock.

People thought that after the Pietersen-Moores affair, the only way was up, but the team plunged to further lows.

Runs have been coming at a premium, with the teams scoring 566, 600 and 749.Good batting you may think, but the wickets have been flatter than a ran over hedgehog.

It is something that the authorities need to take a look at, as it seems grounds men are being ordered to roll such pitches so that tests go on for the full five days, but this is coming to the detriment of results being achieved.

Think back to the excitement of 2005, which turned out to be one of the greatest test series ever. Heroes such a Flintoff and Pietersen were made as the nation caught Ashes-fever.

The only thing caught in the West Indies so far, has been Daren Powell’s ankle in the ditches of the abandoned second test pitch.

What a farce!

And there is more controversy.

The referrals systems that is being used for the first time is a joke. I have never been a fan of technology as it undermines the ability of the on-field umpire, but when you have an incompetent buffoon in Darryl Hair, who has no idea how to use the equipment, it makes it more of a mockery.

Remove its use before more cock-ups occur.

This test series has been as entertaining as a joke in a Christmas cracker. Seeing the substance in my sixth-month-old nephew’s nappy has provided the family with more material to talk about than the cricket itself.

As to the state of the England team, you would have to be the biggest optimist to think that the side will recover by the time the Aussies arrive in June.

Sure, they’ve lost a number of illustrious players such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Matthew Hayden from the last time we met, when they panned us 5-0, but look at what is coming through.

Phillip Hughes has become the youngest ever player to score centuries in both innings of a test match, against a South African side that would have topped the ranking had they beaten Australia.

Another hiding looks on the cards as the men from down-under look to continue to set the benchmark in international cricket.

Shamoon Hafez