Yesterday evening, a statement was released announcing Jonny Wilkinson's retirement from international rugby. Currently playing in Toulon, Wilkinson has remained under the radar and out of the English spotlight but his name will be remembered in English rugby history after kicking the drop goal that won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup (video below).
Wilkinson has had an illustrious career consisting of many great moments despite large parts of it being dogged by injury. At the age of 32, Wilkinson has made over 90 appearances for England and 6 for the British and Irish Lions.
He made 138 appearances for Newcastle Falcons and he made his England Test debut against Ireland in April 1998 and made his last appearance against France in the quarter-finals of England's RWC 2011 campaign.
Wilkinson's most memorable moment:
Having acted as a "David Beckham" figure in rugby union, Wilkinson will hang up his international boots after a career of highs and lows. He suffered knee ligament, shoulder, arm and kidney injuries following his famous drop-goal down under. Wilkinson was pressured by the likes of Toby Flood who eventually over took him as starting fly-half.
Wilkinson's departure from English Rugby will mean he can focus on his club career at Toulon and can also allow youngsters like Owen Farrell to come through into the England elite ranks.
