Birthday honours: Rugby's Shane Williams humbled by MBE

Shane Williams surprised many with his one-year deal to play in Japan

Wales' record try-scorer Shane Williams says he is humbled to be appointed an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

The 35-year-old wing played his last game for Wales in December, running in his record 58th try for his country.

Earlier this week he signed a one-year deal to play in Japan.

He will also be honoured this summer at the National Eisteddfod, where he will become a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards.

Responding to his MBE, the former Ospreys star said: "I have been lucky enough to have had a fantastic career and what a great way to finish.

"I am very humbled by the fact I am being regarded in this way - I never thought I would receive an honour such as this and it is a fantastic end to my career."

Named the 2008 International Rugby Board player of the year, he notched up 58 tries in 87 games for Wales, and two in four Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

His final appearance in Europe was for the Barbarians in their <link> <firstCreated>2012-06-02T14:48:37+00:00</firstCreated> <lastUpdated>2012-06-02T14:48:37+00:00</lastUpdated> <caption>defeat to Wales</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18309114" platform="highweb"/> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/mobile/rugby-union/18309114" platform="enhancedmobile"/> </link> in Cardiff on 2 June.

He had been expected to continue his association with the Ospreys next season in an ambassadorial role, but sprung a surprise with the news that he would playing a season with Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Division Two of the Japanese League.

"It was a last-minute offer that I had to give great thought to in a short space of time," he revealed on Twitter.