Rory Best has dedicated his OBE to the hundreds of people he believes have helped him carve out a distinguished international rugby career.

The Ireland captain has been awarded the honour for services to rugby, having racked up 104 caps for his country and playing 13 years with Ulster.

Best's parents John and Patricia both have MBEs, and the Ireland skipper revealed he jokingly apologised to them for going one better.

The 34-year-old is currently touring New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions, and took time out of his busy schedule to offer thanks to the scores of coaches, team-mates, friends and family he believes deserve to share in his honour.

"I'm just so surprised and humbled; it's such a massive honour," Best told Press Association Sport.

"To be recognised for contributing to a sport, for someone to feel I'm worthy of being nominated, and then to be deemed worthy, it's quite incredible.

"My parents were obviously delighted. My mum and dad actually both have MBEs, my dad for agriculture and my mum for services to the public sector.

"So it was quite funny telling them I'd gone one better than them!

"I'll always refer back to Banbridge Rugby Club and that's where it all started for me, but there are so many people to thank for their help along the way that I couldn't even begin to name them.

"And it always comes back to mum, dad, my brothers and sisters, and my wife and children.

"It's not just a reflection of my rugby ability. There are better players than me, but it's also hopefully a reflection of the person you are.

"It would be humbling to think that you can be considered more than just being able to play rugby."

Best became the first Ulster star to win 100 caps for Ireland when Joe Schmidt's side edged out Australia 27-24 in Dublin on November 26.

The long-serving hooker also led Ireland to their first-ever win over New Zealand in 111 years of trying, the 40-29 triumph in Chicago on November 5.

Best revealed his wife Jodie then put on a 'thank you' night for friends, family and former coaches at Banbridge's Downshire Hotel - an evening he can now look back on even more fondly with the hindsight of his latest accolade.

"After my 100th cap, that Sunday we had a private do up in Banbridge in the hotel where I would have spent many a Saturday night growing up," said Best.

"We went through and made a list of people who have helped me right throughout the way.

"Jodie sent out a text saying if it's Rory's 100th cap, this is what we'll do, and we'd love you to make it.

"We thought we'd have a handful, but we ended up with about 170 or so.

"It's great to share with team-mates, but it's also nice to go right back to under-fives, under-sixes, and try to involve as many people as you can."

Lions head coach Warren Gatland paid tribute to Best's honest approach, that still draws high praise from opponents.

Gatland revealed Best spent an hour in the changing rooms with the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians after the Lions' 13-7 win on June 3 in Whangarei - much to the home side's delight.

"This is a great honour for Rory, a fantastic achievement for what he's given to rugby in the community in Ulster," Lions boss Gatland told Press Association Sport.

"It's terrific for the sport, his leadership is fantastic, captaining Ireland and doing a great job. He thoroughly deserves this accolade.

"After the Barbarians game he went into their changing room, swapped jerseys with their captain and hooker Sam Anderson-Heather, and sat down and spoke to him for about an hour.

"And a lot of people made comments to me about that, they were really impressed with him taking that time, making the effort to sit down and talk. Those sorts of things don't go unnoticed."

PA Media