England rugby player successfully tackles medical degree
28 July 2026
Emeka Illione (Instagram)By Daniel Pye
A professional rugby star has achieved his dream of becoming a doctor after completing his medical degree.
Dr Emeka Ilione, 24, graduated from the University of Nottingham after balancing six years of studying while playing at a top level.
He stars for rugby union team Leicester Tigers as a back rower and has featured in England youth squads.
In an Instagram post he said he was “incredibly grateful” for reaching the milestone, thanking both the medical school and Leicester Tigers for supporting him in his studies.
According to the club’s website, he “prefers to be known as the doctor” in the team.
“Balancing the demands of studying medicine alongside professional rugby has been testing at times, and there have been more than a few setbacks along the way,” he said.
“Looking back, overcoming those challenges is something I’m especially proud of,” he said.
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