Jonathan Peter Wilkinson, CBE, is an English former rugby league player.
Best known as a winger, he played for Newcastle Falcons in England and Toulon in France, representing England and the British and Irish Lions.
Wilkinson is best known for his decisive goal in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup final victory.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, with his precise kicking, tactical understanding and leadership skills leaving an indelible mark on the game.
contour
- Full name: Jonathan Peter Wilkinson, CBE
- Stage name: Jonny Wilkinson
- Date of birth: May 25, 1979
- Age: 45 years old
- Place of birth: Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, UK Nationality:
- Occupation: Former British rugby union player
- Height: 1.78m
- Parents: Philippa and Phil Wilkinson
- Siblings: Mark Wilkinson
- Spouse: Shelley Jenkins (m. 2013)
- Children: 2
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: £16 million
early life and education
Jonathan Peter Wilkinson, CBE, was born on 25 May 1979 at Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, UK. He is the son of Philippa and Phil Wilkinson.
Jonathan has a brother named Mark Wilkinson, a former rugby league player who played for Newcastle Falcons with his brother. Mark retired from professional football in 2006.
Jonathan attended Pierrepoint School in Frensham and Lord Wandsworth College near Hook, Hampshire. He plays for Farnham Rugby Club’s youth team.
He was accepted into Durham University but deferred his enrollment in 1997 to pursue a professional rugby league career with Newcastle Falcons. Wilkinson is white and identifies as a Christian.
Profession
Jonny Wilkinson’s rugby career didn’t start on the wing, but as a center! He honed his skills at Newcastle Rugby School, even competing against high-profile international players. That early experience prepared him for the major leagues.
By 1998, at just 18 years old, Wilkinson was already causing a sensation. He played international rugby for England, starting as a substitute against Scotland and Ireland. He even participated in the infamous “Hell Tour”, facing opponents such as New Zealand and Australia.
The 1999 Rugby World Cup marked Wilkinson’s debut on the international stage. His scoring ability is impressive, scoring 32 points against Italy. His talent continued to shine in the 2000 and 2001 Six Nations Championships, where he set a scoring record.
But Wilkinson’s career has been fraught with challenges. Injuries have plagued him, forcing him to miss a lot of games. Despite these setbacks, his determination and skill shined through. In 2003, he played a key role in England’s historic Rugby World Cup victory, scoring the winning goal in the final against Australia.
His resilience continues to define him. After recovering from shoulder surgery in 2008, Wilkinson returned to his best and showcased his shooting skills to lead England back to the international stage. However, injuries continued to derail his later career.
Wilkinson’s international career peaked in 2007 after a long spell of injury. He holds the record for most goals scored by an Englishman in international rugby and is also the world record holder for goals scored.
Wilkinson’s legacy extends beyond the international game. He enjoyed success with Newcastle Falcons before moving to Toulon, France. He led the team to win the Heineken Cup and Top 14 championships, demonstrating his leadership and extraordinary skills.
In 2014, Wilkinson announced his retirement after a remarkable career filled with victories and battles with injuries. He leaves a legacy as one of the greatest rugby players of all time.
Awards and nominations
Jonny Wilkinson was a legendary English rugby league halfback who won numerous awards during his illustrious career.
International Awards:
- IRB International Player of the Year: 2003 Awarded for his performances at the Rugby World Cup.
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year: Awarded in 2003 for his outstanding contribution to British rugby.
- World Rugby Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2016 to celebrate his legendary status in the sport.
Club Awards:
- European Player of the Year: Awarded in 2013 for his important role in Toulon’s European Cup victory.
- Heineken Cup Champions: Led Toulon to two European Cup titles in 2013 and 2014.
Other awards:
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): Appointed in 2002 for services to rugby.
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): Promotion in 2004 for his continued contribution to the sport.
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE): Awarded in 2015 for services to rugby.
social media
- Instagram account: @jonnywilkinsonofficial
- Facebook: Jonny Wilkinson
- Twitter account: @Wilkinsonjonny
personal life
Renowned English rugby league player Jonny Wilkinson is married to former netball player Shelley Jenkins. The couple first met in 2005 while Shelley was working as a waitress at a cocktail bar in Mallorca, Spain.
On October 28, 2013, Wilkinson and Jenkins, who had been dating for eight years, held a private wedding at the town hall of Bandol, a French resort west of Toulon. The couple has two children, but their names have not been revealed to the media.
net worth
Jonny Wilkinson’s net worth is estimated to be around £16 million (approximately $20 million). This wealth comes mainly from his successful rugby career, endorsements and investments.
Wilkinson is a legendary English rugby player, known for his outstanding kicking skills and leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His post-retirement endeavors, including endorsements and commentary roles, have further contributed to his financial success.
