World of Boxing and Rugby Union
Fly-half
2. Jonny Wilkinson
The word ‘unique’ must be used sparingly but Jonny Wilkinson OBE qualifies for that description with a kaleidoscope of national and world records. They dovetail with his triumphant injury time dropped goal that secured the 20-17 win over Australia in the 2003 RWC final in Sydney, one of 13 he has scored in 15 World Cup matches.
His list of accolades is almost endless and headed by his 1,246 Test points. Jonny’s aggregate comprises 1,179 for England, 67 for the British & Irish Lions in six matches and a world best of 36 dropped goals, together with a peerless aggregate of 277 points in the RWC.
He first represented England at the age of 18 years and 314 days against Ireland 13 years ago, captained the side against Italy in 2003 and has since set national records for most conversions (162) and penalty goals (239), as well as dropped goals (36) and points. Jonny has amassed four points less than All Black Dan Carter, the world’s top scorer.
His 150th conversion was of Danny Care’s try against Italy in February 2011 and he was the Investec Man of the Match when England beat Wales 23-19 at Twickenham six months later. In that game, he became England’s most capped back, overtaking Rory Underwood’s 85 appearances, and second most capped player.
Jonny’s England Test appearances have yielded 65 victories and he would have won many more caps except for the intervention of 13 different injuries, including a dislocated left knee cap in October 2008 that ruled him out for eight months. A shoulder injury prompted his absence from the 2010 Investec Internationals.
Stoicism, together with the belief that he would return mentally stronger every time, has run parallel with his enduring skills. He was voted the International Player of the Year for 2002 and the RPA Players’ Player the following year when he also became BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Other honours include becoming only the third player to win the Golden Boot award by reaching 1,000 Premiership points. He expanded that total to 1,489 before switching to Toulon on a two-year contract for 2009-10 from Newcastle Falcons, the club he had joined from Lord Wandsworth College in 1997. Last December, he signed an extended contract with French club that will keep him there until 2013.
Born in Frimley, Surrey, he began his playing days when four at Farnham RFC and later appeared for Hampshire, London and England Schools before being chosen for the national under 21s and enjoying captivating success on the world stage.