FORMER Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland has been awarded a CBE for services to the sport, while captain Alun Wyn Jones receives an OBE.

The 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list was due to be published in June, but was pushed back to enable nominations for people playing crucial roles during the first months of the coronavirus crisis.

New Zealander Gatland, 57, stepped down after 12 years in charge of Wales following the 2019 World Cup in Japan, where his side lost against New Zealand in the bronze-medal match.

During his time at the helm, Wales delivered four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams as well as reaching the World Cup semi-finals twice.

Gatland, already appointed an OBE in 2014, is set to take charge of next summer’s British and Irish Lions tour.

Jones is expected to surpass the record of New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw for most test appearances later this month, with a friendly against France ahead of the delayed Six Nations clash with Scotland.

The 35-year-old Ospreys lock is preparing for a 139th Wales appearance, which had originally looked set for March.

“It is a huge honour to receive such an accolade,” Jones said in a statement released to the PA News agency.

“I see this as an acknowledgement to all the people who have helped me throughout my career.”

Former Lions captain Gareth Thomas, meanwhile, has been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health.

The 46-year-old Welshman came out as gay in 2009 and last year revealed he was HIV positive with undetectable status.

Thomas continues to raise awareness of the issue and during the summer of 2020 he launched the Tackle HIV campaign to improve public understanding.

Thomas, who could play centre or wing, retired from professional rugby during October 2011, having been hampered by a recovery from a broken left arm.

He made 100 appearances for Wales, captaining the side to a first Grand Slam in 27 years in 2005, and also later earned four international caps in rugby league.