He was recognised in 1989 for his services to rugby league, after helping to increase the popularity of the sport.

The former deputy headmaster, who will celebrate his 64th birthday on Saturday, has now been rewarded for his services to sport in general.

Oxley has been involved in the voluntary sector since he retired from the RFL in 1992 at the age of 55.

As chairman of the lottery panel, he has helped distribute around �1.6bn to community projects nationwide.

He is also a member of Sport England and chaired the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) for five years until July.

He has retained his links with rugby league through the student body and is actively involved in disabled sport and the grant-making sports-aid foundation.

Oxley, who lives in north Yorkshire, said: "I've been very lucky to be still involved in things I really enjoy.

"And being involved in the lottery is a great privilege because you are dealing with the sort of sums that can make a difference.

Humbled

"I chair the lottery panel which distributes cash to sport on the community side. We distribute 70% of lottery money for all-weather pitches, sports halls etc.

"I feel very honoured if it is for these things that I have been recognised.

"You come across the people who do the most amazing things, so you tend to ask "why me?" because these people do it year after year after year. It humbles you."

"It's been a great privilege these last nine years working in these areas of sport," he added.

Oxley, who was head of the RFL from 1974-92, is currently chairman of Student Rugby League.

But he is also being line up for a more influential role in the game and has been touted as a member of the proposed independent board of directors.