Calzaghe named in honours list

Calzaghe: A CBE

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Joe Calzaghe and Lawrence Dallaglio topped the sporting honours in the Queen's birthday list.

Welsh boxing great Calzaghe, who remains undefeated in 45 professional fights, added the CBE to the MBE he received in 2003.

"For the first time in my life I was knocked out," Calzaghe said of the latest honour.

"It's unbelievable when I think back to when I was a kid that, one day, I would have achieved so much through boxing, and my teachers laughed at me when I said I was going to be a boxer.

"I am extremely honored to receive this award and I am delighted that my achievements in boxing and for British sport have been recognized."

Dallaglio, was awarded an OBE after ending his career with another Guinness Premiership title with Wasps, five years after earning an MBE for his part in England's World Cup triumph.

The back row player initially retired in 2004 only to make a comeback two years later and featured in last year's World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

"Lawrence has been an outstanding player for England and an outstanding leader," said Bill Beaumont, another former England captain honoured by the Queen.

Beaumont - vice president of the International Rugby Board - was awarded a CBE for his rugby and charity work.

There were also honours for 74-year-old John Surtees, the only driver to win world championships on two and four wheels, who was awarded an OBE, while Northern Ireland and Fulham striker David Healy was the only current male footballer to be honored.

The 28-year-old, who received an MBE, was the top scorer in European Championship qualifying with 13 goals and was a patron of the George Best Memorial Trust to fund a statue of the former Northern Ireland great.