Monday, 5 June 2006, 00:54 GMT 01:54 UK
Umaga shocked by Queen's honour
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga has been recognized for services to rugby in the New Zealand Queen's Birthday honours list.
Umaga, who retired from Test rugby in January, was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
"It's a very proud moment for myself and my family," he said. "It's come as a bit of a shock, but it's put a smile on my face."
Umaga scored 36 tries in 74 Tests for the All Blacks, the last 21 as captain.
In 2005 he led the All Blacks to a series win over the Lions, the Tri-Nations title and a 'grand slam' over the home unions in Britain and Ireland.
New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs, who guided New Zealand's successful bid for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Web auction for All Black handbag
(02 Jun 06 |
Asia-Pacific
)
All Black fined for handbag brawl
(30 May 06 |
Internationals
)
All Blacks announce 39-man squad
(28 May 06 |
Internationals
)
McCaw handed All Blacks captaincy
(12 May 06 |
Internationals
)
Umaga quits international rugby
(10 Jan 06 |
Internationals
)
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
New Zealand
Ireland
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Sport Homepage
|
Football
|
Cricket
|
Rugby Union
|
Rugby League
|
Tennis
|
Golf
|
Motorsport
|
Boxing
|
Athletics
|
Snooker
|
Horse Racing
|
Cycling
|
Disability Sport
|
Olympics 2012
|
Sport Relief
|
Other Sport...
|
TV/Radio Schedule
|
Photo Galleries
|
Sport Academy
|
Health & Fitness
|
Fun and Games
|
Northern Ireland
|
Scotland
|
Wales
Rugby Union Contents:
Internationals
|
European Club
|
English
|
Irish
|
Scottish
|
Welsh
|
Skills
|
Laws & Equipment
|
Get Involved
|
Live scores
|
^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©
