Jonny Wilkinson returns to coaching - and he loves it - Ruck

Jonny Wilkinson returns to coaching – and he loves it

England’s legendary fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked them to World Cup glory in 2003, has returned to coaching as he continues to work with wonderkid Marcus Smith.

The 42-year-old, who is often invited to join the England squad by Eddie Jones, arrived in camp this week to help Smith prepare for the biggest game of his career so far against South Africa.

https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status/1460888027623002112

The 42-year-old, who also worked with Danny Cipriani prior to his move to Bath, has been having one-to-one sessions with Smith for over two years now in a mentoring role he is said to love.

Having helped defeat Australia last week to retain the Cook Cup, Smith will be looking to further enhance his growing reputation against the Springboks in England’s final match of the Autumn Nations Series.

Smith is the only recognised number 10 in the squad after England captain Owen Farrell and hooker Jamie George have were ruled out of Saturday’s Test.

Farrell (ankle) and George (knee) have withdrawn from the squad with injuries sustained in last Saturday’s 32-15 win over Australia.

EDITORS PICKS:

“Two are no longer with us” – Jonny Wilkinson ranks his five toughest opponents

#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu’s one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: “One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

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