England legend Prince Alexander Obolensky is to be honoured in Ipswich where he died in World War II.

A memorial to the 'Flying Prince', who scored arguably England's most famous try in their first victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham in 1936, is to be erected in the town centre.

It will stand in Cromwell Square in the gastro-quarter, alongside statues of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, both past managers of England and Ipswich Town FC, and will be funded entirely by private sponsorship.

Obolensky joined the RAF and died in his Hawker Hurricane fighter in a crash at Martlesham Heath in 1940 during the Second World War. He is buried in Ipswich Cemetery.

The project is being assisted by the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham, where many of his personal effects, including his England cap, are on display. As well as video footage of his famous try, the Museum also boasts his passport, scrapbooks and photograph albums from the 1936 British Isles tour by New Zealand, on loan from the Obolensky family.

"Obolensky is one of the legends of English rugby history and it is fitting that a statue be erected in Ipswich, where he died," said Michael Rowe, curator at the World Rugby Museum. "As well as our museum display, he's commemorated at Twickenham Stadium by a large hospitality suite named Obolensky's and he is featured in the museum's Wall of Fame."

The statue is the work of world famous sculptor Harry Gray, who counts the Battle of Britain Memorial in Dover among his collection.

The project is the brainchild of rugby enthusiast James Hehir, Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council, who said: "The new statue will occupy pride of place in one of the town's most vibrant and resurgent quarters and will be a fitting memorial to a true sporting legend."

Winger Obolensky, hailed as the Jonny Wilkinson of his day, was a Russian émigré who became a British citizen. He made his international debut at the age of 19 in England's inaugural victory over the All Blacks, scoring two tries and led many to refer to the game being as 'Obo's match'.

Described as a genius by The Times, the Prince was named alongside Martin Johnson, Will Carling and Jason Robinson in England's most influential XV ever. His 1936 try was voted as England's greatest ever try by The Daily Telegraph's distinguished sports writer, Donald Trelford, and was described as "a stupendous exhibition of the hypotenuse in rugby," by Terry McLean in his book entitled All Black Magic: 100 Years of New Zealand Test Rugby.

Companies or individuals wishing to sponsor the project should contact the Chief Executive, Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2DE.

For more information on the statue please go to www.obolensky-ipswich.org.uk.