Ulster and Ireland Rugby captain Rory Best OBE will be presented with an honorary doctorate at Queen’s University for distinction in sport.

The accolade follows an outstanding year for the County Armagh hooker, who captained the Ireland team to a Grand Slam victory at the 2018 Six Nations, as well as the Championship and Triple Crown titles.

Rory Best, 35, is one of three Irish Grand Slam Captains, one of only two Irishmen to win two Grandslams and the only Ulsterman to have 100 caps for Ireland.

Best also captained Ireland to their highest ever world ranking and is the first Ireland rugby captain to beat New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in a year.

One of the most capped players in Irish national team history, the long-serving hooker also led Ireland to their first-ever win over New Zealand in 111 years of trying.

Best, who is married to Jodie and has two sons and a daughter, has also been captain of Ulster Rugby since 2007 and celebrated his 200th cap for Ulster last year.

Originally from Poyntzpass, County Armagh, Best’s rugby career began at Banbridge Rugby Club, he then joined Belfast Harlequins in 2002 and gained his first contract with Ulster in 2004.

Rory Best OBE said, “It has been a special year for me, my teammates and supporters. It has been a privilege to captain such an exceptional team and bring home the Grand Slam trophy. Receiving an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast further cements 2018 as a year I will never forget. I will receive this honour remembering the many people who have been both instrumental in my career and unwavering in their support.”

Best was awarded an OBE last year for services to rugby.

Rory Best is among twelve individuals to receive honorary degrees this summer at Queen’s University Belfast. Other individuals awarded included internationally renowned researchers as well as leaders in business and commerce.

Queen's awards honorary degrees to individuals who have achieved high distinction or given significant service in one or more fields of public or professional life, and who serve as ambassadors for the University and Northern Ireland around the world.

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