Description
Join Dr Ikram Butt, and Junaid Malik, Co Founders of the British Asian Rugby Association, and Dave Jones, for a powerful talk celebrating the people, places and stories that have shaped rugby.
Rooted in the game’s proud community spirit, this event explores how rugby has brought people together across generations, cultures and clubs. Dr Butt and Junaid will share stories of British Asian players, volunteers, supporters and families whose contributions have helped enrich the sport, both on and off the pitch.
From grassroots teams to professional grounds, rugby has always been more than a game. It is about belonging, pride, resilience and teamwork. This talk will shine a light on the heritage behind the shirts, the stories behind the tackles and the communities behind the clubs.
The Beyond the Try Line exhibition is currently touring, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, continues BARA’s work to preserve, celebrate and share the stories of those who have helped make rugby a game for everyone.
As BARA marks its 20th anniversary, the project provides an important opportunity to ensure that the contributions of past and present generations are recognised, celebrated and remembered for years to come.
About the Speakers
Ikram Butt
Dr Ikram Butt made history by becoming the first British Muslim to represent England at either code of rugby. He set up the South Asia Bulls and the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA), with the aim of encouraging more young people, particularly Asians, to participate in sport and benefit from the values it instils. He’s also an ambassador for Sport Campaign Against Racism (SCAR) and the British Asian Trust. Today, as a social activist, he is actively involved in speaking out for those who face oppression in all its forms.
Junaid Malik
Junaid Malik, a true trailblazer in the world of amateur rugby, earned his stripes with 3 caps from the British Amateur Rugby League Association. As a dual-code international athlete, Junaid showcased his talent with 10 caps for the Pakistan Rugby Union. His journey into representative rugby began when he was appointed captain of Yorkshire U18s and progressed to Captaining Yorkshire Open Age. Emigrating to the UK from Pakistan at the age of 7, Junaid quickly became a sensation at his local amateur rugby league club, Elland. A one-club star, he made his open-age debut at the age of 14 and joined the first team at just 16. Beyond his playing days, Junaid has transitioned to coaching and mentoring, guiding the next generation of coaches. He is an icon within the grassroots rugby community and played a pivotal role in co-founding the British Asian Rugby Association and the Pakistan Rugby League.
Dave Jones
I am a retired headteacher who has had a passion for rugby league for over sixty years. In 2025, my book ‘Rugby League Nostalgia’ was published by London League Publications and a second book of articles is due out this autumn. I am a regular editorial contributor to the quarterly magazine Rugby League Journal. I was appointed Heritage Officer to the Bradford Bulls Foundation and am currently researching the history of amateur rugby league in Bradford on a Lottery funded project.
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