The drop goal that won the World Cup — the most pressure-resistant kicker in rugby history.
Jonathon Peter Wilkinson was born in Frimley, Surrey in 1979. He won the Rugby World Cup for England with a drop goal in the 100th minute of the final against Australia — the most celebrated single moment in English rugby history. He scored 1,246 international points — the most by a European player. Persistent shoulder, knee and neck injuries limited him to fewer than 50 caps between 2004 and 2012. He became a Buddhist after retirement, seeking the inner peace that his obsessive practice schedule had not provided during his playing career. He was appointed CBE in 2004 and OBE in 2010.
Best Known For
Rugby World Cup 2003
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup 2003
- Six Nations Grand Slam 2003
- World Player of Year 2003
Career Journey
Timeline
1979
👶 Born in Frimley, Surrey
2014
🏁 Retired from professional sport
🏟️ Newcastle Falcons
🏟️ Toulon
🏆 Rugby World Cup 2003
🏆 Six Nations Grand Slam 2003
🏆 World Player of Year 2003