In a stellar lineup of sporting luminaries acknowledged in the prestigious New Year Honours, England’s Lionesses squad boasts notable names alongside former cricketer Stuart Broad.
Leading the pack is Millie Bright, the valiant captain during the World Cup, who clinches the title of OBE. Joining the ranks of honorees are Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp, both esteemed with the coveted MBE designation.
Stuart Broad, whose cricketing career concluded post the Ashes in July, ascends to the rank of CBE.
The New Year Honours continue to unveil accolades for outstanding individuals in the realm of rugby, making this a noteworthy celebration of excellence in the world of sports.
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Knight Grand Cross
Sir Bill Beaumont (World Rugby chair and former England captain), for service to rugby union and charity
Beaumont said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this accolade from His Majesty the King. I have always viewed my work as a rugby administrator as that of a guardian, driven by a passion to do the very best I can for rugby, its players, fans, and all those who give up their time to volunteer at grassroots level around the world. This accolade is as much recognition for our rugby family as a whole, and all who work tirelessly in the sport, as it is for me.
“Rugby has been my life for more than half a century and has given me so much joy as a player, a father and grandfather to rugby-playing sons and a granddaughter, and as an administrator. I am very fortunate to be in a position to give back to the sport I love, and I am as passionate now about rugby now as I was when representing Fylde, Lancashire, England or the British and Irish Lions.
“Rugby continues to transform, progress and advance as a sport and a movement and I am proud of what we have achieved in recent years. From exceptional men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups and historic international calendar transformation to the exciting advancement of the women’s game, we will never stand still in making the sport the best it can be to all its participants and fans. To that end, I am particularly proud of the strong progress we have made in the priority area of player welfare and I remain unswerving in my commitment to making rugby even more safe, accessible and relevant. We are on a very exciting journey with a very bright future.
“I have said it many times – in my opinion, rugby is the ultimate team sport – a sport with strong values and where the team is always greater than the individual. I have been blessed to have played and worked with incredible people along the way who share the same passion for the betterment of the sport as I do. There is one person who has been at my side, a constant support from my playing days to now, my wife Hilary. She is my inspiration and rock.”