Brian Noble star guest speaker at Hornets business breakfast

BBC summariser and former Great Britain Rugby League coach Brian Noble

Brian Noble, BBC summariser and former Great Britain Rugby League coach, has been confirmed as the star guest speaker at the forthcoming Rochdale Hornets business breakfast.

Brian Noble's early rugby league career was as a member of the Police Boys' Clubs before he signed for Bradford Northern (now Bradford Bulls). His début came in the 1978-1979 season and was the beginning of almost 15 years and over 400 games with the club, concluding in the centenary season of 1995-96 following a spell at Wakefield Trinity.

Noble combined his professional career with his job as a policeman, and captained Great Britain on the Lions' tour of Australasia in 1984. He played in all seven tests on the tour, including the test in Papua New Guinea.

After nine years on the back room team, Noble was appointed as head coach at Odsal and whilst head coach of Bradford Bulls, he guided the Bulls to two Minor Premiership titles, victory in three Grand Finals in 2001, 2003 and 2005, the Rugby League Challenge Cup in 2003 as well as three World Club Championships in 2002, 2004 and 2006. In 2004 he received the Rugby League International Federation's coach of the year award.

In July 2002, Noble received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford for his achievements as a rugby league player and coach.

Noble has also had spells at Wigan Warriors, Crusaders and Salford City Reds as well as coaching the Great Britain national team.

A respected business speaker, he also summarises for the BBC and will present his thoughts on effective leadership in sport and how these can be applied to business.

Doors will open at 7.30am with bacon and hash brown bagels being served. Speeches will commence at 8am and concluded for 9am. A short ground tour followed by networking and fresh tea/coffee will conclude the morning.

Places are free and booking in advance is recommended.

Email: ryan.bradley@hornetsrugbyleague.com