Rugby ref who confronted knife-wielding terrorist honoured

A police officer and part-time rugby referee who confronted a knife-wielding terrorist has been honoured.

PC Nick Carlisle has been awarded a Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished services to policing for his role in the tragedy.

PC Carlisle confronted terrorist Khalid Masood during the Westminster terrorist attack. Despite being unarmed, Carlisle who was stationed at the gates outside the Houses of Parliament when Masood stabbed his colleague, confronted the terrorist on March 22, 2017.

“I ran forward intending to issue a rugby tackle,” PC Carlisle told an inquest earlier this year. “He came at me with knives up. I was very close.”

The confrontation allowed his colleague the time to get away from the attacker. Tragically, PC Palmer succumbed to his injuries.

An armed police officer then shot Masood dead. The entire attack lasted just 82 seconds.

East Midlands Rugby Referees stated yesterday: "As some of you may know, one of our members Nick Carlisle was heroically involved in the terrorist attack on Westminster in 2017.

"We are proud to announce that his bravery has been recognised with the award of the Queens Police Medal."

Earlier this year Chief Coroner Mark Lucraft QC found shortcomings in security on the day of the Westminster terror attack which led to the death of five people including PC Palmer.

Elsewhere World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont has expressed his gratitude and says that he is “honoured and humbled” after being awarded a knighthood for services to rugby in Her Majesty The Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

The honour is in recognition of a champion of rugby, who has dedicated his life to the betterment of the sport on and off the field in both a domestic and global context.

The announcement comes at a particularly exciting time for Beaumont and the sport. Elected Chairman of World Rugby in 2016, Beaumont has wasted no time in acting on his mandate and has presided over a period of record participation, fan and commercial growth, particularly amongst young people in emerging rugby nations.

Determined to ensure the governance, education and coaching structures are in place to support a growing global gamed, Beaumont has driven transformational governance reform that has seen an expansion of union and gender inclusivity in the sport’s highest decision-making body, the World Rugby Council.

He also oversaw historic international eligibility reform that preserves the sanctity of international rugby and long-term international calendar harmony that gives greater opportunity for emerging nations, while providing financial certainty for all unions.

A family and rugby man through and through, World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Beaumont can often be found his beloved Fylde rugby club or watching son Josh play for Sale Sharks. He has always championed the community game, and has made it his mission as Chairman of World Rugby and formerly as Chairman of the RFU to make the sport as accessible and simple to play and support as possible at all levels.