Wilkinson has nearly 600 points for England

England and Newcastle star Jonny Wilkinson has been voted Personality of the Year by the Rugby Union Writers' Club.

Wilkinson becomes only the fifth Englishman to win the Pat Marshall Memorial Award since its inception in 1975.

He follows in the footsteps of Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Ben Clarke and Bill Beaumont.

The 23-year-old Newcastle Falcons captain has amassed almost 600 points from just 38 Test appearances.

His most recent outstanding displays for his country came as England toppled Tri-Nations title-holders New Zealand and world champions Australia on successive weekends.

He left the field injured in the game against South Africa after an illegal tackle by Jannes Labuschagne. The Springboks lock was later banned for 23 days.

Wilkinson will receive his latest accolade at the Rugby Union Writers' Club annual dinner in London next month.

Other previous winners include Gareth Edwards, Jean-Pierre Rives, David Campese, Francois Pienaar, Sean Fitzpatrick and Jonah Lomu.