Radford was presented with the degree at the University of Hull.
09:42, 15 Jan 2026
Former Hull FC head coach Lee Radford has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Hull.
Radford coached the Black and Whites for 202 games between 2014 and 2020, leading the side to back to back Challenge Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, and as player, won every honour in the game during a successful stint at Bradford Bulls.
He debuted as a 16-year-old with Hull in 1996, returning to his hometown club ahead of the 2006 season. He played on until 2011 and then came out of retirement in 2012 before stepping up to head coach ahead of the 2014 season.
After his time at Hull, Radford had spells at Castleford Tigers and the Samoa national side and is now part of the Northampton Saints coaching staff in rugby union. The Hull-born coach also made the step up to the international scene with Scotland last year and has now been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Hull for his contribution to sport and community development.
Radford said he "genuinely thought it was a wind-up" when he got told the news but added that "Being here today is really quite humbling. It's not something I ever expected, but it is something I'm really proud of."
In his speech, he said that self doubt and failure could push you on to "great things" and on coaching said, "It's that proud father feeling when you see the boys lifting a trophy."
He remains a coach of both Northampton and Scotland.