England
No knighthood for Wilkinson
ESPN Staff
December 31, 2014
Wilkinson brought down the curtain on a remarkable career last May © Getty Images
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Jonny Wilkinson missed out on a knighthood on the New Years' Honours list but two World Cup-winners were recognised for their remarkable achievements in 2014.

Widespread reports suggested Wilkinson was set to be crowned 'Sir Jonny' on the traditional New Years' list but his name was missing from the list of those receiving knighthoods.

Wilkinson seemed to confirm the honour on Tuesday, when he tweeted: "So many more deserving amongst u who won't get recognition. To you I say thanks 4 the lessons in life. 4 the messages- u guys are incredible." But he qualified this later in the day, when he tweeted: "Might not be on the NY list by the way."

The reports that Wilkinson would become 'Sir Jonny' prompted Sir Bob Kerslake, the outgoing head of the Civil Service, to announced that he would look into the issue of individuals being wrongly named as receiving honours.

While Wilkinson was not recognised on this occasion, two members of the 2014 England women's side who lifted the World Cup were awarded honours. Vice-captain Sarah Hunter was awarded an MBE as was prop Rochelle Clark.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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