Huddersfield Giants stalwart Keith Burhouse is one of three loyal servants who have made extraordinary contributions to the game inducted on to the Rugby Football League’s Roll of Honour.
Burhouse is joined by Natalie Gilmour and Ron Girvin on the RFL roll of honour as they had their achievements recognised by the sport’s governing body.
Burhouse has played an active role in Huddersfield rugby league as a volunteer for the past 30 years.
A Huddersfield fan for more than six decades, Burhouse has dedicated himself to helping his beloved club, carrying out a vast array of voluntary tasks from replacing roofs and rewiring the old Fartown ground to driving the team bus and raising money for associated charities.
During 2013 Burhouse, who is now an associate director at the Giants, catalogued all of the collection at the Heritage Centre based at the George Hotel and arranged for it to be stored securely until a new home is found.
The RFL list was introduced in 2003 and recognises individuals whose efforts encompass exceptional service across both playing and off-field service, and those unsung heroes whose work behind the scenes is so essential to the fabric of the game.
Gilmour’s inclusion comes as a result of her role in developing Women’s Rugby League.
To date, she has enjoyed a 15-year international career, appeared in every tour and international tournament since 2000, captained her country since 2007 and led her country in two World Cups – including last year’s Festival of World Cups – all the while juggling massive career demands in the Police Firearms Department and contributing massively to the community game.
Girvin’s sheer longevity and commitment to Rugby League has earned him a deserved place on the RFL Roll of Honour.
He has been heavily involved in the sport since writing about the amateur game in 1955 to working in administration for the North West Counties (NWC) competition for over three decades.
Girvin has received a multitude of awards for his service to the game, was last year made President of North West Rugby League and is still the North West Counties League Secretary.
Welcoming all three on to the Roll of Honour, RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer – former chief executive at the John Smith’s Stadium – paid tribute to their selfless efforts.
“On behalf of everyone involved in Rugby League, I would like to congratulate Natalie, Ron and Keith on their deserved induction on to the Roll of Honour,” said Rimmer.
“The important contributions these three people have made in their respective roles have had a profound effect on the game.
“By being inducted on to the RFL Roll of Honour, we ensure that their outstanding achievements will be forever remembered as a huge benefit to our great game.”
