Jamie Jones-Buchanan admits that a New Year’s honour was the furthest thing from his thoughts when he received a letter with Her Majesty’s Service on it.
The Leeds Rhinos legend - integral to the club’s trophy laden spell between 2004 and 2017 - has been awarded an MBE for his services to rugby league. But news of the accolade was unexpected when it arrived at the club’s training ground.
Jones-Buchanan explained: “Our HR manager Sarah Tate walked in with a letter with Her Majesty’s Service on it, and that’s not usually good news when you get those in Bramley! I opened it up wondering what it was, thinking it might be from the tax man or something like that.
“But it quickly articulated that it was an invitation to accept an MBE. I was obviously blown away and massively honoured.”
Jones-Buchanan was a huge part of the Rhinos’ success on the field but has also been recognised for his extensive work for the local community and charities.
He said: “I’ve said a few times that if I woke up one morning and Leeds was the only place left in the universe, in many ways it’d be disappointing but it wouldn’t change my day too much. Everything that I hold dear is in Leeds, and the charity side of it has been really important to me.”
The former back rower and current Rhinos assistant coach was also quick to praise of those around him during his career, including wife Emma. He added: “The over arching message is that I’m a product of my environment, a reflection of the people that I’ve been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by.
“Characters like Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire - a cohort of players who were very successful on the pitch. But in many ways they’ve been more successful off it, and I think that group shines brighter now than it did on the field.
"That’s testament to the culture, team spirit and camaraderie that we had as a group of men.
“There was a Hall of Fame dinner this year where we recognised some of our leaders, and Kev stood up and articulated why I miss him so much on a daily basis.
“He said it’s amazing what you can achieve when nobody cares who gets the credit. That’s it - that’s always been it.”
Australian comedian Adam Hills, who plays for Warrington's PDRL team, has been awarded an OBE for services to Paralympic Sport and Disability Awareness, and respected administrator Emma Rosewarne an MBE for services to rugby league.
