SINCE MAKING HIS international debut in 1998, Jonny Wilkinson has accumulated an array of awards and plaudits, including 97 international caps (91 for England, 6 for the British and Irish Lions) and a Rugby World Cup winner’s medal.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from International rugby…
“I never ever believed that I would be able to give up on this dream which has driven me to live, breathe, love and embrace the game of rugby from the earliest days that I can remember.”
Speaking to the Guardian in the wake of the decision, Stuart Lancaster, head of England’s interim coaching staff, hailed Wilkinson as a “model sportsman” with “vast knowledge and experience” of the game.
“He will of course be remembered for that drop goal but he is more than that, a model sportsman – down to earth and hard working, who has never stopped trying to be the best that he can.”
Wilkinson, now in his third season with French side Toulon, entered last summer’s World Cup in New Zealand as England’s first-choice fly-half, but endured a difficult campaign, eventually guiding the Six Nations champions to a quarter-final defeat against France.
An incredible hard working talent. It’s was a shame that Johnson didn’t have the bottle to drop him, as I believe playing him while he constantly put in below par performance ended up eroding his confidence as the supports and his younger teammates turned on him.
He actually explained to Johnson he didn’t believe he deserved to be there pre-world cup.. He had an interview with The Times about 4 weeks ago
More of Johnson probing him to go..
A fantastic professional and legend of the game..
Your talking nonsense Elrat and before you start..i am a munster fan. Bod has played out of his skin the last couple of years and will do after injury. But as far a Johnny goes, terrific sportsman, terrific rugby player. Sad the way his international career ended though.
What a legend of the game!! He was the most humble English player ever to walk on to the field of play and I wish him the best of luck for his retirement!!!!
Fabulous player, with his catalogue of injuries its a miracle he’s still playing. Only for that he could have been the best ever Never seen an out-half with his tackling ability before or since. If offered a fully fit wilkinson or carter in their prime I’d have Johnny everytime.
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Best of luck to him. Excellent sportsman.
An incredible hard working talent. It’s was a shame that Johnson didn’t have the bottle to drop him, as I believe playing him while he constantly put in below par performance ended up eroding his confidence as the supports and his younger teammates turned on him.
He actually explained to Johnson he didn’t believe he deserved to be there pre-world cup.. He had an interview with The Times about 4 weeks ago
More of Johnson probing him to go..
A fantastic professional and legend of the game..
Sorry to say your evaluation of the conception of England’s World Cup is nonsense.. Read a paper
Your talking nonsense Elrat and before you start..i am a munster fan. Bod has played out of his skin the last couple of years and will do after injury. But as far a Johnny goes, terrific sportsman, terrific rugby player. Sad the way his international career ended though.
Lost 3 or 4 yards – his defence still good attacking in rapid decline
What a legend of the game!! He was the most humble English player ever to walk on to the field of play and I wish him the best of luck for his retirement!!!!
One of the best tacklers and kickers in the game. Stephen Jones take note! Shame to see him go though hes left some legacy.
Fabulous player, with his catalogue of injuries its a miracle he’s still playing. Only for that he could have been the best ever Never seen an out-half with his tackling ability before or since. If offered a fully fit wilkinson or carter in their prime I’d have Johnny everytime.
Nonsense. Carter is better
Superb player in his prime – is taking the correct decision to retire – ODriscoll take note
One less reason to “watch” rugby!! Thank god for tommy bowe!!!
Happy retirement!
All the best, Johnny. You were a great player in the modern game and an exemplary representative for the game on an off the field.