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Truss was widely criticised for submitting an honours list after only 49 days in the job.

The 90-year-old was awarded his knighthood early - before the birthday honours list was officially announced - because of concerns over his health.

"We do believe rugby league has historically been poorly treated in terms of recognition in various ways, including honours lists," said a spokesman for the Rugby Football League.

The resignation honours list is a tradition that gives outgoing prime ministers the opportunity to nominate people for honours – often key allies, donors and staff.

The former adviser to Boris Johnson was the youngest member of the House of Lords when she became a peer last year, after being nominated by the ex-prime minister in his resignation honours list.