James Roby was proudly presented with his Lions Heritage Number at the 2026 Rugby League Lions Association Annual Reunion Lunch.
The event, which has an 80-year history, was held on Sunday, 1st February 2026 at Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.
The Association was founded in 1945 to reunite players and staff who had been selected for tours and international tournaments held in the southern hemisphere since 1910.
Roby was presented his certificate by Brian Noble MBE, the Great Britain coach from the 2006 Tri-Nations series when the Lions claimed a famous win in Sydney.
Undoubtedly, the toast of the event was Sir Billy Boston, who became the first Lion to attend as a Knight of the Realm following his knighthood last summer.
Sir Billy became the first man to be knighted for his Rugby League achievements, and was given a standing ovation last Sunday afternoon when he took to the stage to be greeted by two fellow Lions who he had played with and against, Ian Brooke and Colin Clarke, as they shared memories of their time on the 1966 Great Britain tour.
Abi Ekoku, the Interim CEO of the Rugby Football League, said: “It was a personal privilege and very special pleasure to attend my first Lions lunch on Sunday. Alongside a number of others who were attending the event for the first time, I was energised by what was an extremely impressive and enjoyable occasion.
“International representation is the pinnacle of sporting achievement, and it’s vitally important we as a sport continue to celebrate heroes of the past. The Lions Luncheon delivered the perfect platform for some of the very best the sport has produced to meet, reflect and share their memories and achievements.
“It was a truly fantastic occasion, capped off by having Sir Billy Boston, Colin Clarke and Ian Brooke share a stage together. It’s something I will never forget and sincerely hope to remain a part of the event moving forward.”
