Lions hooker and Ireland captain Rory Best "surprised and humbled" by Queen's Birthday OBE honour

The popular Ireland captain has been awarded the honour for services to rugby, having racked up an incredible 104 caps for his country and playing 13 years with Ulster.

“I’m just so surprised and humbled; it’s such a massive honour,” Best told Press Association Sport

“To be recognised for contributing to a sport, for someone to feel I’m worthy of being nominated, and then to be deemed worthy, it’s quite incredible.

“My parents were obviously delighted. My mum and dad actually both have MBEs, my dad for agriculture and my mum for services to the public sector.

“So it was quite funny telling them I’d gone one better than them!

“I’ll always refer back to Banbridge Rugby Club and that’s where it all started for me, but there are so many people to thank for their help along the way that I couldn’t even begin to name them.

“People who either coached me or helped me as a person.

“And it always comes back to mum, dad, my brothers and sisters, and my wife and children.

“They are the people I spend the most time with.

“And especially with rugby, with my wife Jodie, she’s been right through since I played Ulster schools. She’s had a big influence on the person I am.

“And no one has a bigger influence than your parents, and my brothers and sisters.

“It’s not just a reflection of my rugby ability. There are better players than me, but it’s also hopefully a reflection of the person you are.

“It would be humbling to think that you can be considered more than just being able to play rugby.”