A legend of rugby league has received an honour from Preston’s university.

Kris Radlinski MBE took part in the University of Central Lancashire’s winter graduations.

The former Wigan Warriors and Great Britain player is now an honorary fellow of the university.

The 41-year-old received the academic award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made rugby league in the UK and the support he provides the university.

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UCLan has a strong relationship with Wigan Warriors – with the first team and academy squads for player performance monitoring working with the university.

Kris said: “It is a tremendous honour. I was just a young kid from Wigan who was lucky enough to get into sport. You just don’t expect to receive awards like this on the back of it so I am truly humbled by it all.

“The award also means a great deal to the club. We already have a fantastic relationship with UCLan and I want to learn more from the University to develop my own skills.”

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Radlinski played 322 times for Wigan and scored 183 tries in 13 years with the club. He never played for anyone else apart from representing Great Britain winning 20 caps.

In 2007 he was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby league.