Jonny Wilkinson retires from England duty

[lfc4life]

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has retired from international rugby union.

The 32-year-old won 91 England caps, kicked the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final and played six Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

"It fills me with great sadness, but I know I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team," he said.

Despite a career plagued by injury, Wilkinson is England's all-time leading scorer with 1,179 points.


Wilkinson one of the greats - Woodward

The Toulon back is second on the all-time list with 1,246 Test points, placing him just behind New Zealand's Dan Carter.

Wilkinson's record for his country includes six tries, 162 conversions, 239 penalties and a record 36 drop-goals. His total of 277 points at World Cups is 50 more than any other player.

read more here >>> BBC Sport - Jonny Wilkinson retires from England duty

England will never have a kicker the same as him

[livesey]

Sad day, i thought he had a couple more years in him at international level tbh, but hey what a servant to the sport he has been, absolutely magnificent.

And who will ever forget the headline's from the Aussie news paper's...

A front page picture of Johnny kicking a ball over the bar, with the Headline's "Is that all youv'e got"

And the headline after we won the world cup, was even more hilarious.

A picture again of Johnny, walking off the field, his back to the camera, and the headline, "Glad to see the back of you"!!!!

Classic.

Good luck to the man, i am sure he will be playing a big part in the National team at some point and will be a real asset.

Thanks for the memories Johnny boy.

[Snowy79]

Although he played for the wrong side he was the ultimate professional. Probably too good a player for his physical abilities as he was always breaking himself. He'll be missed in an England top.

[zee24]

about time, world class player tho fantastic athlete, professional and a great guy off the field.