Rugby Football Union - World Cup ref and ex-England international awarded Honorary Fellowships and Degree

World Cup ref and ex-England international awarded Honorary Fellowships and Degree

by Julia Hutton


	Chris White - One of Englands World Cup refs photo by Allsport

World Cup referee Chris White has become one of four high profile figures to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Gloucestershire.

White, from Cheltenham, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to sport at the university and will receive his award at the university’s annual graduation ceremony this November.

White was one of only two English referees who officiated at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The 40-year-old former teacher took charge of games between Wales and Canada, Argentina and Romania, South Africa and Samoa as well as the semi-final clash between New Zealand and Australia.

White has also played a key role in supporting the development of the all-new rugby referees’ scholarship at the university. He is also on the management group of the School of Sport & Leisure and gives frequent talks to the rugby and cricket teams.

Janet Trotter, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Gloucestershire said: “The University is delighted to be able to celebrate the achievements of new Honorary Fellows, all of whom have made a significant contribution to their subject areas, Gloucestershire and the University community. We look forward to honouring them in November.”

Former England international and now BBC Radio Five Live rugby broadcaster Alistair Hignell has also been awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Bristol.

Hignell was awarded the prestigious accolade on Monday as recognition of his services to the community, the university and as a representative for the sport.

Hignell, who was previously a teacher at Bristol Cathedral School and Sherborne School, joins a long list of prestigious honorary graduates including former Welsh international Cliff Morgan, World Cup referee Ed Morrison and Gloucestershire and England cricketer Jack Russell.

Hignell made his England debut in the 1975 match now billed as the ‘Battle of Ballymore’ – when England lost to Australia in a brutal encounter in Brisbane. Just weeks later he showcased his cricketing talents playing against the likes of Imran Khan in the Cambridge/Oxford Varsity match at Lords. He also played rugby for Bristol and cricket for Gloucestershire.

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