England hero Wilkinson is given the keys to the Toon

ENGLAND rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson officially became an honorary Geordie yesterday when he was given the freedom of Newcastle.

The World Cup winner was given the city’s highest honour at a ceremony watched by friends, family and team-mates from his Newcastle Falcons club.

The 24-year-old, originally from Frimley, Surrey, told the audience: "It is hugely humbling for me to be here amongst so many people and also amongst the recipients of this award."

Wilkinson joins sporting greats Alan Shearer, triple jumper Jonathan Edwards and the late Newcastle United legend Jackie Milburn, while other honorary freemen include Nelson Mandela, Bob Geldof, former United States president Jimmy Carter and the late Cardinal Basil Hume.

• Rupeni Caucaunibuca scored three tries as defending champions Auckland beat Canterbury 38-29, while the ACT Brumbies scored nine tries in a 68-28 win over the Cats in yesterday’s second round of Super 12 matches.

All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer contributed 22 points as the Blues claimed their first win of the campaign. The Brumbies, went top after a comprehensive win over the Johannesburg-based Cats in Canberra. Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard and Mark Chisholm each scored two tries and Joe Roff landed nine conversions