Sam Warburton has become the latest Welsh rugby player to be honoured for his achievements on the field of play having been made OBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

The 28-year-old Cardiff Blues flanker led the British & Irish Lions to a 1-1 series draw against the double world champion New Zealand All Blacks in the summer – his second successful tour with the Lions.

Four years earlier he had been the captain of the victorious 2013 tourists, who won their first series in 16 years when they beat the Wallabies 2-1. Only England’s Martin Johnson had previously been captain of the Lions on successive tours.

In a personal statement on social media last night a delighted Warburton said:

“I am overwhelmed, privileged and very proud to be appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. This recognition is the pinnacle of my career as it is not only a personal honour, but it is as much an award for my team mates and coaches at all levels as it is for me. This wouldn’t have been possible without all of the people around me who have shaped my life in Rugby. Thank you to everybody who has contributed to my career, in particular, my Mother, Father, my wife Rachel and extended family. Thank you also to the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Blues and Derwyn Jones my manager for their unwavering faith and support.”

Warburton has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with injuries, but will return in the 2018/19 season looking to add to the 74 Welsh caps he has gained since making his debut against the USA Eagles in 2009.

In recent years Welsh rugby has been able to congratulate Dennis Gethin, our President, world record breaking referee Nigel Owens and long-serving head coach Warren Gatland on being awarded honours. In 2015, Gareth Edwards received a knighthood.

Welsh Rugby’s Honours List 
* Please note that not all the honours listed for the people below were awarded solely for services to rugby

Presidents

Sir John Llewellyn, Bart; Horace Lyne MBE; Sir David Rocyn Jones CBE; WR Thomas MBE; Tommy Vile MBE; Wilf Faull MBE; Ivor Jones CBE; Ken Harris CBE; Les Spence MBE; Cliff Jones OBE; Osmond John OBE; Clive Rowlands OBE; Sir Tasker Watkins VC, GBE; Dennis Gethin OBE

Secretaries

Bill Clement OBE; Ray Williams OBE

Coaches

Carwyn James OBE; Mike Ruddock OBE; Warren Gatland OBE

Players

Sir Hugh Vincent; Sir David Evans; Sir George Morris, Bart; Henry Phillips OBE; Marsden Jones CBE; Idris Jones CBE; Elfed Jones MBE; Arthur Rees CBE; Kenyon Jones MBE; Mike Davies OBE, CMG; Jack Matthews OBE, Bleddyn Williams MBE; Ken Jones OBE; Cliff Morgan OBE, CVO; Leighton Jenkins MBE; David Watkins MBE; John Dawes OBE; Barry John MBE; Jeff Young OBE; Sir Gareth Edwards MBE; Mervyn Davies OBE; Phil Bennett OBE; Gerald Davies CBE; JPR Williams MBE; JJ Williams MBE; Robert Jones MBE; Jonathan Davies MBE; Ieuan Evans MBE; Neil Jenkins MBE; Shane Williams MBE; Sam Warburton OBE

Referees
Derek Bevan MBE; Nigel Owens MBE