Evans awarded an MBE

Evans, who won 87 caps for Wales was recognised with the honour for her services to sport in a career which included representing her country in three sports.

Non retired from international womens rugby in 2010 following an incredible top level career which began against Scotland in 1996. In her career she scored an incredible 64 international tries - a record in the women's game. She continues to play on the 7s circuit, representing the Akuma Dragons at the Scrumqueens 7s at Rugby Rocks last weekend.

Evans also represented Wales at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in weightlifting and judo and switched sports to compete in wrestling at the 2010 Games in Delhi. Her wrestling career was halted in February of this year when she sustained an injury during the British Open Championships, which ruled her out of the final and forced her to settle with the bronze medal, in turn preventing her from qualifying for the London 2012 Games

She was this year given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rugby Writers Dinner and last week she was awarded a Gorsedd of Bards being recognised on a list of 46 Welsh figures deemed to have made a contribution to the nation, language and culture

She will formally receive her MBE later this year.

Non said: Receiving a letter in the post informing me of this award was unbelievable. This is the biggest honour anyone can hope for; to be recognised by the nation for doing something I love and which is so important in my life. When you compete in any sport, you are never entirely happy; there is always another goal to reach or another objective to meet but even I recognise that this is an achievement that will certainly take some beating."

"It hasnt completely sunk in yet and I dont think that it will until I actually meet a member of the Royal Family later in the year and receive the honour. I see this as a significant recognition, not only of my own sporting success, but of the success and achievements of womens sport in general.

In addition to her sporting success Non has contributed significantly to local communities and charities. She is a regular guest speaker in schools across Wales and has an active involvement with Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish rugby which supports mentally and physically disadvantaged children.

Looking forward, Non will continue to work with the media, utilising her knowledge of professional sports to provide expert commentary for organisations including the BBC.