Wilkinson knew time was right

by Setanta Staff , 24 December 2011

Former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has looked back on his decision to retire from international rugby with no regrets.


The 2003 World Cup winner put an end to a 13-year international career last week following a disappointing campaign with England at the World Cup in New Zealand, where they were beaten in the quarter-finals by France.

Wilkinson has been plagued with injuries in recent years, which have limited his number of appearances with the national side.

The 32-year old has admitted that he felt it was time for England to give others a chance as he concentrates on club rugby.

"For some reason, it has now seemed to be simpler for somebody else to be doing it," he told Sky Sports News. "That is what happens and it became evident to me.

"I do like to always think that I know what I can do and that I know what I am capable of.

"I am still capable of doing that and I am aiming to do that with Toulon and do it better and better.

"I started to realise that the last few years with England had been a combination of me searching for the best of me, as always, but also trying to understand the conditions around me in the squad."

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