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Rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson is to set to ­receive a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours next week.

The 35-year-old, who ­inspired England to World Cup glory in Sydney in 2003, has had a glittering 17-year career.

But he is also being ­recognised for his ­extensive charity work in Britain, including for the NSPCC, and in France, where he played for Toulon for five years.

A well-placed source said last night: “Jonny is one of Britain’s greatest-ever sportsmen.

“He has always represented England with distinction. He is a hero and a shining example to millions around the world. He thoroughly deserves this.”

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Wilkinson, who played fly-half and inside centre, announced his retirement from rugby union in May. He spent 12 seasons with Newcastle Falcons before joining Toulon in 2009.

His performance in the Sydney World Cup earned him the OBE in the 2004 New Year Honours list.

Wilkinson kicked a last-minute drop-goal in extra time to seal victory over Australia in the final – and had earlier kicked all of England’s points in their 24-7 semi-final win over France.

In 2007 he overtook Gavin Hastings as the tournament’s all-time high-scorer.

He became the first player to pass 1,000 points for England in 2008, overtaking Argentine Hugo Porta’s world record, and the next month was confirmed as test ­rugby’s leading scorer.

(Image: PA)

Wilkinson is one of just five men to score more than 1,000 points in international rugby and the only player to score points in two separate World Cup finals.

He married long-term ­girlfriend Shelley in 2013 and has won BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The star has been tipped for a knighthood repeatedly though his career was blighted by injuries.

Meanwhile, other winners in the honours list, which will be unveiled officially on Wednesday, include Joan Collins.

The actress, who starred in Dynasty and Benidorm, will be made a Dame in recognition of 60 years in the industry.

There is also an OBE for Gavin and Stacey star James Corden.

Others tipped to receive awards include Formula One world ­champion Lewis Hamilton and actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne.

See Jonny Wilkinson delivering an inspirational team talk to his Toulon colleagues below