International Rugby
Paterson and Williams awarded MBEs
ESPNscrum Staff
December 31, 2011
Scotland fullback Chris Paterson poses at his peg in the team changing room, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, March 9, 2011
Chris Paterson has been named an MBE © PA Photos
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Chris Paterson and Martyn Williams have been awarded MBEs in the New Year honours list.

Paterson, Scotland's most-capped player and leading points scorer, announced his retirement from international rugby on December 21, following 109 appearances at fullback, wing and fly-half. He is also the only Scottish player to feature in four Rugby World Cups, most recently in 2011.

Williams, the Wales openside, has been recognised for his contribution in an international career that began way back in 1996. To date he has racked up 99 Tests for Wales and four for the British & Irish Lions, winning Six Nations Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 - the latter after a brief retirement in the wake of the 2007 World Cup.

''I've only ever focused on playing well and doing the supporters, myself and my family proud. To be even nominated for this honour is something I would never have imagined," Paterson said.

"To be recognised in this way for doing something you love to do is a wee bit strange to be honest but it'll be a nice reminder of what I've achieved in both club and international rugby."

Meanwhile, Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas has been named a CBE for services to entrepreneurship, sport and charity.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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