Martyn Williams: Awarded an MBE

Williams may be still be waiting for his 100th Wales cap, but another great prize has come along.

The 36-year-old Cardiff Blues star, one of the finest openside flankers of his generation, features in the New Year Honours list.

The award is recognition for a stellar 15-year international career in which he has also toured with the British and Irish Lions three times.

Williams was one of the key players as Wales won Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 and is the country's third most-capped player, after Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas, following 99 appearances.

He had hoped to reach the landmark century at the recent World Cup in New Zealand - in which Wales made the semi-finals - but missed out on a place in the final squad after featuring at the training camp.

He made his Wales debut in 1996 and briefly retired from international rugby after 2007 World Cup, only to be tempted back into the fold by new coach Warren Gatland.

He remains in contention for further honours but has recently been sidelined with a broken arm.