It is NOT Sir Jonny

Former England star flyhalf and World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has not been knighted, contrary to weekend reports.

It is a curious episode that will embarrass Wilkinson, the Palace and the Sunday newspaper that prematurely proclaimed him Sir Jonny.

That report – complete with a "well-placed source" saying that it was a done deal – caused hundreds to take to social media, including some of his 2003 World Cup-winning teammates, to congratulate the former flyhalf, who retired this year after winning the European Cup and the Top 14 title with Toulon.

The 35-year-old, who kicked England to World Cup glory in 2003, was rumoured to be on the Queen's honours list.

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."

Civil servants will look into why people have been wrongly named by the British media as being honoured, with former England captain David Beckham also previously reported to be receiving a knighthood.

"It's particularly unfair when names get quoted in the papers who then subsequently aren't on the list," said Bob Kerslake, the outgoing head of the Civil Service.

"In every sense it's highly regrettable and we will look into this."

Wilkinson subsequently took to the social media to congratulate the winners, taking the faux pas in his stride. His original post also appears to have bee deleted from his twitter account.

Those that did receive honours are former Olympic athletes Steve Cram, Mary Peters and Wendy Sly.

Britain's honours are bestowed by the monarch, but recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public.

Sources: AP & The Telegraph

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