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Lions captain Sam Warburton heads sporting inclusions in New Year Honours

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 08:  Sam Warburton of the Lions looks on following the drawn series during the third test match between the New Zealand All Bl
Image: Sam Warburton has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours.

Former Wales captain Warburton led the Lions on their last two tours, including the drawn Test series against world champions New Zealand during the summer.

The 29-year-old Cardiff Blues flanker is currently recovering from surgery on a neck problem which ruled him out of contention for Wales' Test matches during November and December.

He has so far won 74 international caps for Wales and also led the Lions in Australia in 2013 when he became the squad's youngest captain at 24 ahead of the 2-1 victory over the Wallabies.

Warburton was part of the Cardiff Blues team which beat Toulon to win the 2010 European Challenge Cup, a first continental success for a Welsh club.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 23:  England Captain Heather Knight lifts the trophy after victory in the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 Final between England and India
Image: Heather Knight receives an OBE after captaining England to World Cup success

There are also a series of honours for the England women's cricket team, with captain Heather Knight receiving an OBE following their triumph in last summer's World Cup, which was delivered with victory over India at Lord's in July.

Coach Mark Robinson also collects an OBE while bowler Anya Shrubsole and Kent's Tammy Beaumont both receive the MBE.

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England's World Cup-winning head coach Mark Robinson, awarded an OBE, talks to Sky Sports News about the side's momentous year

England and Wales Cricket Board director of women's cricket Clare Connor becomes a CBE, having previously been awarded an OBE.

Former Scotland rugby union captain Ian McLauchlan receives an OBE, as does Ed Morrison, who was England's first full-time professional rugby union referee and took charge of the 1995 World Cup final when South Africa defeated New Zealand after extra-time at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

SALFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Former Manchester United youth coach Eric Harrison, left, lines up with Gary Neville, second left, and other members of the C
Image: Eric Harrison receives an MBE for his part in the careers of Manchester United's Class of 92, including Sky's Gary Neville

Former Manchester United youth team coach Eric Harrison - who helped develop the 'Class of 92' including Paul Scholes, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham - receives an MBE.

Paralympian Stef Reid, who won silver in the F44 long jump at both the London 2012 Games and also in Rio, also collects an MBE.

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Long jump gold medallist Stef Reid tells Sky Sports News of her excitement at hearing she was to receive an MBE for her services to Paralympic sport

Welsh cycling coach Alan Davis, who helped the likes of Olympic team pursuit gold medallists Owain Doull and Elinor Barker as youngsters while also riding with Geraint Thomas, becomes an MBE.

NEWBURY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15:  Trainer, Nicky Henderson looks on during The Hennessy Gold Cup preview day at Newbury Racecourse on November 15, 2016 in N
Image: The Queen's racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson is now a Royal Victorian Order Lieutenant

Nicky Henderson, trainer of the Queen's racehorses, has been made a Royal Victorian Order Lieutenant (LVO).

International Ski Federation secretary general Sarah Lewis receives an OBE for services to sport while Scotland and Lions team doctor James Robson is awarded an MBE.

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