Jonny Wilkinson in New Year's Honours knighthood embarrassment
Jonny Wilkinson has been inadvertently caught up in a New Year's Honours storm over a knighthood that he appeared to confirm.
The England rugby legend was left red-faced after he appeared to fuel speculation that he was set to receive a knighthood in a message he posted on Twitter.
On December 27, a tabloid newspaper printed the story that Wilkinson was set to receive a knighthood in the Queen's New Year Honours with a 'well-placed source' being quoted.
"Jonny is one of Britain’s greatest-ever sportsmen," the source was quoted as saying. "He has always represented England with distinction.
"He is a hero and a shining example to millions around the world. He thoroughly deserves this."
The false reports then prompted Wilkinson to post the following message on Twitter - which was subsequently deleted - that left fans certain that he was confirming the news.
"So many more deserving amongst u who won’t get recognition," he wrote on Twitter.
"To you I say thanks 4 the lessons in life. 4 the messages - u guys are incredible."
Hundreds took to social media to congratulate Wilkinson, including some of his 2003 World Cup-winning team-mates.
But hours before the official list was confirmed last night he backtracked, tweeting that he "might not be on the NY list".
Comical error as Jonny Wilkinson doesn't get a knighthood, despite tweeting thanks: http://t.co/OcC1cy1EK0
— Harry Reekie (@HarryCNN) December 31, 2014
It was clearly a very regrettable episode for everyone involved.
Arise, Sir Jon... er actually Wilkinson wasn't on the Queen's list after all http://t.co/SEgHO5UxOw pic.twitter.com/3nuysvaYYb
— TheScore.ie (@thescore_ie) December 31, 2014
Might not be on the NY list by the way. Congrats 2 those will be + the many who deserve 2 be. Your support still baffles the hell out of me!
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) December 30, 2014
Sir Bob Kerslake, head of the civil service, commented to the Daily Mirror: "I am very concerned. It is highly regrettable and we will look into it.
"It’s particularly unfair when names get quoted in the papers who then subsequently aren’t on the list," he said.
Wilkinson, who inspired England to World Cup glory in Sydney in 2003, has had a glittering 17-year career.
But he is also revered for his extensive charity work in Britain, including for the NSPCC, and in France, where he played for Toulon for five years.
His performances at the 2003 World Cup, which England won, earned him the OBE in the 2004 New Year Honours list.
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