Rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson has joined England’s coaching staff to mentor Marcus Smith and Fin Smith ahead of the summer series.
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Known for his relentless dedication and near-obsessive pursuit of perfection, the 45-year-old Wilkinson set new standards during his career.
His most memorable moment came in 2003 when he scored the drop goal that clinched the World Cup for England.
England’s summer tour will kick off in Tokyo on June 22, which will also mark former coach Eddie Jones’ first game in his second stint leading Japan.
Steve Borthwick’s team will then travel to New Zealand for two tests against the All Blacks: in Dunedin on July 6 and Auckland on July 13.
Jonny Wilkinson facts:
- Wilkinson’s brother, Mark, was also a Newcastle player who made 16 appearances in the Premiership for the side between 2002 and 2005, predominantly as a centre. His father, Phil, was a rugby player and cricketer, and his mother, Philippa, played squash at county level. His grandfather, Phil, also played football for Norwich.
- When former England centre Jeremy Guscott walked into the dressing room on the day of Wilkinson’s international debut, he thought the 18-year-old had won a competition to spend the day with the national team.
- Wilkinson followed Buddhist principles and teachings to help control his perfectionist tendencies, according to an interview he gave with The Times newspaper in 2009.
- Jonny and Shelley became parents for the first time in late 2018. They keep their private life pretty much on lockdown, but according to reports, they had a little boy called James while they were still living in France.
- Wilkinson is currently a studio pundit for ITV Sport, working on their coverage of the Six Nations Championship, Rugby World Cup and other rugby events.
Jonny Wilkinson Has Been Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Player In History
England legend Jonny Wilkinson has been voted as the rugby’s greatest ever rugby player after a survey was conducted with more than 1000 fans participated.
England won 67 of the 91 games Wilkinson played in with h1im scoring an outstanding total of 1,179 points. He also holds the Rugby World Cup points record with 277.
Within the top 20 players voted by the fans, New Zealand have the most representatives with five, including the likes of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Zinzan Brooke.
The only player to make the list from the amateur era is Wales best ever player, and arguably the best scrum-half of all-time, Gareth Edwards.
Here is the list of the top 20 greatest ever rugby players voted by fans:
Greatest Ever Rugby Player: Top 20
20. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
19. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
18. Jason Leonard (England)
17. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
16. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
15. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
