 Both Bill Beaumont and Lawrence Dallaglio were honoured for their services to rugby and charity, notably the work they do with Wooden Spoon. Beaumont, the vice-chairman of the International Rugby Board and Honorary President of the Lancashire region of Spoon was recognised for his work with our charity. "I was fortunate enough to receive an OBE for playing the game in 1982, and now 26 years later to get this award for other things which I have managed to achieve makes you feel very humble," he said.
Rob Andrew, director of English rugby said “Bill is a superb ambassador for our sport not only in England but worldwide, where he holds the support and respect of his peers at all levels of the game." Beaumont, 56, follows Martin Johnson as only the second recipient of a CBE for services to rugby union in England. He won 34 caps for England and, in 1980, captained his country to their first Five Nations Grand Slam in 30 years.
Lawrence Dallaglio, also a Honorary President, in the Middlesex region, retired from the sport at the end of last season, having spent the whole of his playing career with Wasps. During that time he won 85 England caps, a World Cup-winner's medal, a Grand Slam, five English titles, two Heineken Cups and was picked for three Lions tours. He was awarded an MBE in 2003 for his exploits at the World Cup, where he was the only England player to play every minute of every game
In summing up the awards from last weekend Andrew continued "It is fantastic that Lawrence and Bill Beaumont have both been honoured and it is excellent news for the sport of rugby union in England. Lawrence thoroughly deserves his award and it recognises the huge contribution he has had made to his club, country and the British and Irish Lions over the last dozen years. Lawrence was the only player to play in every minute of England's campaign in the 2003 World Cup and he played a key role in that success. He has had an outstanding career."
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