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Ikram Butt
Trailblazer Ikram Butt made history by becoming the first British Muslim to represent England at either rugby code when he appeared for England against Wales in the European Rugby League Championship in 1995, dispelling the myth that such physical sports did not appeal to those with an Asian heritage.
Born in Leeds, a mere stones throw away from the world famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium, he fulfilled a childhood dream by signing for his home city club as a teenager, gaining Colts International honours for Great Britain.
He moved on to Featherstone, where he enjoyed five excellent seasons, transferred to London for the inaugural Super League campaign in the summer of 1996 and finished his distinguished playing career at Huddersfield and Hunslet.
On the field, he has also captained Pakistan in the Asian Rugby Football Union championships and helped that nation to win their first ever Tri-Nations event against the Philippines and Guam in 2005.
He went on to set up the South Asia Bulls and the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) with the aim of encouraging more Asians to participate in sport and benefit from the values it instills, recently forming and managing the British Pakistan RL XIII.
BARA has been recognised by both rugby governing bodies and Sport England for their work in the community and given direct endorsement by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and current Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.
As a result, Ikram is now a regular visitor to the House of Commons, pioneers development work in the UK, India and Pakistan and is recognised as one of the most influential Asian role models in the country.
Now back at the club where it all started, as part of the Leeds Rugby Foundation in the role of ‘Connecting Communities’ Manager, he is seeking to re-establish his relationship with the City of Leeds and institute a greater understanding and tolerance through the medium of sport, education and health.
Ikram has been featured in a publication named ‘Did You Know’, a resource book targeting educational establishments highlighting the significant contributions made to British society by ten past and present, black and Asian role models, which was launched at the House of Lords.
More recently he has published his story, ‘Tries & Prejudice’ described by correspondent Andy Wilson of the 'Guardian' newspaper as, ‘an autobiography which is fascinating and inspiring’.