Cape Town - Former England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson was left slightly embarrassed after not receiving a knighthood.
This comes after a British Sunday newspaper reported that Wilkinson would receive the honour in the new year.
The report caused hundreds to take to social media, including some of his 2003 World Cup-winning team-mates, to congratulate Wilkinson, who recently after winning the Heineken Cup and the Top 14 title with Toulon.
Wilkinson had fuelled speculation that he would become "Sir Jonny" by tweeting: "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 then deleted the tweet when he realised he was not on the Queen's honours list, tweeting:
He may eventually one day be recognised as Sir Jonny...
This comes after a British Sunday newspaper reported that Wilkinson would receive the honour in the new year.
The report caused hundreds to take to social media, including some of his 2003 World Cup-winning team-mates, to congratulate Wilkinson, who recently after winning the Heineken Cup and the Top 14 title with Toulon.
Wilkinson had fuelled speculation that he would become "Sir Jonny" by tweeting: "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 then deleted the tweet when he realised he was not on the Queen's honours list, tweeting:
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
Wilkinson, 35, played 91 Tests for England between 1998 and 2011, as well as six Tests for the British and Irish Lions between 2001 and 2005.He may eventually one day be recognised as Sir Jonny...