Rugby World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson handed CBE by Prince William at Buckingham Palace 

  • Jonny Wilkinson awarded CBE for services to Rugby Union
  • Former England star collected the honour at Buckingham Palace
  • Carl Froch was also honoured, receiving an MBE for services to boxing 
  • Williams Formula 1 team co-founder Patrick Head received a knighthood 

A year after stepping in to retirement, England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning hero Jonny Wilkinson stepped up to collect his CBE.

The 36-year-old, who scored a high-pressure match-winning drop-goal in the 2003 final, brought the curtain down on a glittering career in 2014 by masterminding Toulon's second-straight Heineken Cup win. His award is for services to Rugby Union.

Boxer Carl Froch is another champion in the line-up of famous faces from the worlds of sport, who are to receive their awards from the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.

Jonny Wilkinson smiles for the camera after the ex-England star received a CBE for serives to rugby union

Jonny Wilkinson smiles for the camera after the ex-England star received a CBE for serives to rugby union

Jonny Wilkinson smiles with Prince William as he collects his CBE at Buckingham Palace for services to rugby
England hero Wilkinson smiles as he collects his honour

Wilkinson talks with Prince William as the World Cup hero collects his CBE at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday

The 38-year-old, who has announced his retirement from boxing, collects an MBE for services to boxing. He won four super-middleweight world titles and earned a reputation to rank alongside the all-time great global 12-stone champions.

Froch had hoped to end his career in Las Vegas but injury put paid to a projected fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and he has not fought since his Wembley win over George Groves more than a year ago.

Meanwhile, Williams Formula 1 team co-founder Patrick Head received a knighthood.

Sir Patrick, whose knighthood is for services to motorsport, has been hailed a 'design genius' by team founder Sir Frank Williams.

The 69-year-old's engineering talent has helped play 'a key role in establishing Great Britain as a leading force in global motorsport and the benefits of this are still being felt to this day,' according to Sir Frank. 

Froch smiles with his MBE outside Buckingham Palace
Froch receives his honour from Prince William

Carl Froch smiles with his MBE having received the honour from Prince William in Buckingham Palace

Froch, who has announced his retirement from boxing, was awarded an MBE for services to the sport

Froch, who has announced his retirement from boxing, was awarded an MBE for services to the sport

Williams co-founder Patrick Head was knighted by Prince William (left)
Head received a knighthood for services to motorsport

Williams co-founder Patrick Head received a knighthood and was knighted by Prince William (left)

JONNY WILKINSON FACTFILE

Born: May 25, 1979 

Clubs: Newcastle Falcons, Toulon 

England appaearances: 91

England points: 1,179 

Honours: Premiership - 1997–98

Heineken Cup - 2012-13, 2013-14 

Rugby World Cup: 2003 Six Nations: 2000, 2001, 2003 (Grand Slam), 2011

CARL FROCH FACTFILE 

Born: July 2, 1977

Fights: 35

Wins: 33

KOs: 24

Honours: Former English, British and Commonwealth champion

WBC, WBA and IBF super-middleweight champion  

 

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