Jonny Wilkinson humbly accepts knighthood, doesn’t get knighthood

Just over six months after retiring in a blaze of glory in 2014, it seemed as though Jonny Wilkinson got a little ahead of himself for the first time in his life.

England’s World Cup-winning number 10 was widely expected to be honoured with a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s honours list and even tweeted out what looked like the gist of a humble acceptance speech.

The European and French champion with Toulon did manage to row back on his original (now deleted) Tweet to offer congratulations to all the non-perfect people who did make it on this year’s list.

Maybe next year, JW.

EDITORS PICKS:

5 things you didn’t know about Jonny Wilkinson, including his phobias, religion and son

#1. Sporting family

Wilkinson’s brother, Mark, was also a Newcastle player who made 16 appearances in the Premiership for the side between 2002 and 2005, predominantly as a centre. His father, Phil, was a rugby player and cricketer, and his mother, Philippa, played squash at county level.  His grandfather, Phil, also played football for Norwich.

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