Sean O'Loughlin reveals shock after realising he'd been awarded an OBE

Sean O'Loughlin has been awarded an OBE for his services to rugby league. The Wigan Warriors legend won 10 major honours during his distinguished 19-year career, playing 459 games for his club along with 36 international appearances for England and Great Britain.

Widely regarded as one of the best British players of all time, O'Loughlin captained both his club and his country on countless occasions. He was named in Super League's Dream Team on a record seven occasions and won the World Club Challenge in 2017.

Now at the Warriors as an assistant coach, O'Loughlin has been recognised for his contributions to the sport.

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“It’s a strange one for me," he said. "You never expect anything like that. It doesn’t enter your mind that you could get one. It does feel strange when I’ve done something I’ve enjoyed doing for so long.

“This is something I’ve been awarded for being around for the amount of time I have. It’s never felt like a service, it’s me doing something I enjoy. It’s something I’ve loved doing.

“I’ve seen pictures of other people doing it in the past and what the occasion is – it should be great and it’s something I look forward to doing. When I received the letter, it had a Royal emblem on it. I thought it was a speeding ticket at first! It came as a bit of surprise.”

The 39-year-old has been honoured alongside the likes of rugby league broadcaster Clare Balding and designer Stella McCartney, who have both been awarded CBEs. He joins Kevin Sinfield as only the second rugby league player to receive an OBE in the sport's history.