Wilkinson retires from England

by Tony Cuddihy , 12 December 2011

The RFU have confirmed that Jonny Wilkinson has retired from international rugby at the age of 32.


The fly-half played 91 times for England and also made six Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

In a statement on his own website he wrote: "I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from international rugby.

"To do so fills me with great sadness, but I know I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team."

Wilkinson is just behind New Zealand's Dan Carter in terms of international points, scoring 1,246 points in total and 1,179 for England.

He scored six tries, 162 conversions, 239 penalties and a record 36 drop goals for England.

His total of 277 points at World Cups is 50 more than any other player, and his drop goal sealed the trophy for England back in 2003.

His statement continued: "To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other set backs gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment. But by now I know myself well enough to know that I will never truly be satisfied!

"It goes without saying that I would like to wish Stuart Lancaster, his coaches and the England Squad every bit of success available to them. I would also very much like to extend those wishes to Martin Johnson, Brian Smith, Mike Ford, John Wells, Graham Rowntree and the rest of the England 2011 World cup management team who have been fantastic and deserve people to know that.

"For me now, I will continue to focus ever harder on my goal of being the very best I can be with Toulon Rugby Club and continue to embrace and enjoy wherever that path takes me."

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