HULL KR coach Willie Peters was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Hull last Wednesday in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport and the city of Hull following the Robins’ historic treble this year.
The conferment ceremony, which had been specially arranged because Peters will be away on a training camp with Hull KR in January, when other conferments are made, took place at the University’s Middleton Hall, where Peters was honoured in front of a packed auditorium of graduates, academic leaders and invited guests.
Robert Dover, the Professor and the (Interim) Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics, delivered an oration highlighting Peters’ achievements in Rugby League and his leadership at Hull KR, while the University Chancellor Alan Johnson, the former Hull MP, conferred the honorary degree, saying: “In recognition of your significant contribution to the field of sport, I confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.”
Peters then addressed the congregation as the University’s newest Honorary Graduate.
“I am honoured to accept this honorary degree from the University of Hull,” he said.
“It was an extremely proud moment for my family and I when I opened the letter to find out I had been nominated for the degree.
“I know this is seen as an individual award, however there are so many people who support me to be able to do the job I do. Thank you to my family, my staff and the very supportive board I have at Hull KR.
“However, it’s the players who deserve the most recognition as we are all here to support them so they can reach their full potential and deliver consistent performances week in, week out.”
Speaking to League Express afterwards, Peters confirmed that he could never have imagined such an event.
“Definitely not,” he said.
“But obviously I feel a little bit embarrassed because this award is a reflection on so many people who have worked so hard. It’s not just me.
“To have so many people come out and share, my special time was really humbling.
“I’ll always remember this, no matter what.”
The conferment ceremony was followed by a screening of an episode from the new film entitled ‘Renaissance’ that charts Hull KR’s 2025 season.
The film is in seven episodes and covers the period between the 2024 and 2025 Grand Finals.
The series will be broadcast on Sky from February and will also be screened in Australia on Foxtel.
The fourth episode, which covered the period around last June’s Challenge Cup victory, was shown to the audience last Wednesday.
The Robins’ planning for their first appearance in Las Vegas on 28 February will incorporate an opposed training session against the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys on Wednesday 25 February.
Image: University of Hull