Can Eddie Jones be knighted, will England Rugby World Cup players be honoured, and what happened to 2003 winning side?

ENGLAND are on the verge of a second Rugby World Cup success as they prepare to face South Africa in Saturday's final.

Often with major sporting successes, like the 2012 Olympic gold medallists, honours are handed out to further celebrate their achievements - but can Eddie Jones receive one as he is not English?

Can Eddie Jones be knighted?

Sir Clive Woodward received a knighthood upon winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and so Eddie Jones could expect to be awarded one should he guide the current England crop to victory against South Africa.

But Jones has one stumbling block - he is not English.

Thankfully for Jones, he is eligible for full honours because his home nation Australia remains a part of the Commonwealth.

The England coach is able to receive a knighthood in his own country, which are often presented on Australia Day (January 26) or in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

These will not carry the British styled prefix of Sir - but he can still become Sir Eddie Jones.

Should he win the final with England, the ex-Japan and Australia boss can still be honoured in the United Kingdom where he will be permitted to use the accompanying style.

Will the England players be honoured?

It is more than likely that each England player of the squad will be handed an honour, should they win.

It is unlikely to be a knighthood, but they will certainly expect to become a Member, Officer or Commander of the British Empire.

Each gold medallist at the 2012 Olympics was awarded one of those honours, while the likes of Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis became knights and dames.

Harry Kane was handed an MBE in this year's New Year Honours, after helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals in Russia.

Were the 2003-winning side given honours?

The entire 31-man squad was handed either an MBE, OBE or CBE for their services to rugby following the World Cup.

This included Danny Grewcock and Simon Shaw, who only played half of the tournament.

Grewcock suffered a toe injury after making just one appearance, and was replaced by Shaw.

The Lock even got his MBE before receiving a World Cup winners' medal in December 2004.