Brian Ashton, head coach of the England team that reached the final of the World Cup, expressed delight after he and Jason Robinson received awards in the New Year's Honours List.
England's success in reaching the final has led to an MBE for Ashton, the 61-year-old son of a Lancashire coal miner.
Robinson, persuaded to return to the England fold by Ashton for one last hurrah before retiring from the sport, gets an OBE to go with his previous MBE.
Ashton, the former head coach of Bath, said: “I am honoured and privileged to receive an MBE.
“This award is not just for me, but for all who have been involved and helped me throughout my rugby career.
“I'm delighted for Jason too. He has contributed so much to both union and league. He thoroughly deserves the honour.”