Full list of rugby figures to have been knighted

2012: John Kirwan – The All Blacks legend was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to mental health and rugby.

2013: Gordon Tietjens – In the New Year Honours 1999, Tietjens was appointed a Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit, in the New Year Honours 2007, he was elevated to Companion of the same order, and in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Tietjens was further promoted to a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

2015: Gareth Edwards – The Wales and British Lions legend was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2015, for services to sport and for charitable services.

2017: Michael Jones – He was awarded a knighthood for being a driver of economic and social development for Pacific people in New Zealand, and in the Pacific region.

2018: Bill Beaumont – He was knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in 2018.