Humble Beaumont to become Sir Bill

WORLD Rugby chairman and former England and Lions captain Bill Beaumont said it was ‘humbling’ to have been knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

Former Ireland and Lions captain Willie John McBride becomes a CBE, while there is an OBE for former Scotland rugby lock Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and set up a charity last year to raise awareness of the condition.

Beaumont, who is recognised for services to rugby, led England to a Five Nations Grand Slam in 1980 before captaining the Lions in South Africa.

The 66-year-old is a former RFU chairman and was elected chairman of World Rugby in 2016.

“I was very proud when I got the envelope three or four weeks ago saying I was being recommended for a knighthood,” said Beaumont.

“I just thought ‘wow’. To think that I would be mentioned alongside the great sports people who have been knighted was very humbling.”

Former Scotland and Lions lock Lion Weir said it was a “great honour” to receive his award. He will be made an OBE for services to rugby, MND research and the Borders community.

“Myself, (wife) Kathy and (children) Hamish, Angus and Ben – and those involved with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation |– have received incredible support from the rugby community and the Borders folk since I shared my diagnosis in June 2017.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing kindness and generosity.”