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Jonny Wilkinson

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Jonny Wilkinson is a former professional rugby union player from England.

Jonny Wilkinson Twickenham cropped
Jonny Wilkinson Twickenham cropped

He is widely considered one of the greatest rugby players in history. Wilkinson played the position of fly-half, which is a key role in organizing the team. He spent twelve seasons playing for the Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership. Later, he moved to France to play for the club Toulon. He was a master at scoring points through various kicking techniques. Wilkinson holds the record for the highest points scorer at both Newcastle and Toulon.

ST vs RCT 2012 12 Jonny Wilkinson kicking a penalty (cropped)
ST vs RCT 2012 12 Jonny Wilkinson kicking a penalty (cropped)

To score points, Wilkinson utilized several specific methods of kicking. He was highly skilled at conversions and penalty goals. He was also famous for the drop goal. A drop goal occurs when a player kicks the ball immediately after it hits the ground. This skill became legendary during the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final. In the final minute of extra time, the score was tied at 17–17 against Australia. Wilkinson kicked a successful drop goal to secure a 20–17 victory for England.

Jonny Wilkinson conversion
Jonny Wilkinson conversion

Wilkinson's professional journey began with significant sacrifices. He was born on May 25, 1979, in Surrey, England. He attended Pierrepont School and Lord Wandsworth College. He earned a place at the University of Durham to study. However, he gave up his university place in 1997 to join the Newcastle Falcons. He initially started his career at the Newcastle School of Rugby as an inside centre. He eventually moved into the fly-half role that would define his career.

His international career with England was marked by many successes and challenges. He earned 91 caps for the England national team. During the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he was the tournament's leading points scorer with 113 points. He also toured with the British & Irish Lions twice. These tours took place in 2001 to Australia and 2005 to New Zealand. He earned a total of 6 caps while playing for the Lions.

Rugby is a very physical sport that often leads to bodily injury. Wilkinson faced many difficult recoveries throughout his career. In 2001, he suffered a leg injury during a British Lions test match. He also experienced a dislocated left shoulder during a match against South Africa. Some teammates, such as Matt Dawson, suggested that players were being targeted for injury.

England v Italy 20070210
England v Italy 20070210

Despite these physical setbacks, Wilkinson showed great resilience. He consistently returned to play at the highest level of the sport.

Wilkinson's achievements earned him many prestigious honors. Following his World Cup victory, he was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He was also named the 2003 IRB International Player of the Year. In 2016, he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

St Jonny signing autographs
St Jonny signing autographs

His career success included winning two Heineken Cups and one Top 14 championship with Toulon. These victories happened over five seasons in France.

Today, Wilkinson remains connected to the sport he mastered. He works as a studio pundit for ITV Sport. He provides expert analysis for the Six Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup. His deep understanding of the game helps fans follow complex matches. He transitioned from a player who executed precise skills to an expert who explains them to millions of viewers.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:The gods were not shining on Jonny today Galerie de fat dad.jpg
The gods were not shining on Jonny today...
File:Jonny Wilkinson David Coldrey Quins 15 Newcastle 9 Guinness Premiership 2932008.jpg
Jonny Wilkinson David Coldrey Quins 15...
File:Jonny Wilkinson conversion.jpg
Jonny Wilkinson conversion.jpg
File:St Jonny signing autographs.jpg
St Jonny signing autographs.jpg
File:England v Italy 20070210.jpg
England v Italy 20070210.jpg
File:Jonny Wilkinson Statue - Trafalgar Square - London, England - October 19th 2007..jpg
Jonny Wilkinson Statue - Trafalgar Square...
File:Jonny Wilkinson 2009 08 england training 2.jpg
Jonny Wilkinson 2009 08 england training 2.jpg
File:ST vs RCT 2012 12 Jonny Wilkinson kicking a penalty (cropped).jpg
ST vs RCT 2012 12 Jonny Wilkinson kicking...
File:Jonny Wilkinson Twickenham cropped.jpg
Jonny Wilkinson Twickenham cropped.jpg
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