Admit it, you wouldn’t mind looking like Jonny Wilkinson when you’re 45-years-old. He has certainly enjoyed the freedom of not having to kick pressure kicks since hanging up his boots in 2014.
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The former Newcastle and Toulon fly-half went viral after a 2022 picture of his ripped physique emerged on social media – and the Englishmen, by several people’s own admission, has put a lot of people to ‘shame’.
He played club rugby for twelve seasons in the English Premiership with Newcastle Falcons. In 2009 he moved to Toulon, where he won two Heineken Cups and one Top 14 championship in five seasons.
Wilkinson won 91 caps for England. He was an integral member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup, scoring the winning drop goal in the last minute of extra time against Australia in the final. He came back from several injuries and was part of the England team which reached the final of the 2007 World Cup.
He toured twice with the British & Irish Lions, in 2001 to Australia and 2005 to New Zealand, winning 6 caps for the famous touring side.
Wilkinson looking in fine shape:
Wilkinson opened up on mental health battle during appearance on Bear Grylls.
Tasks included climbing 40 metres up
a sheer cliff face and crossing ice cold rivers to see how far he could push his physical and mental limits.
Grylls also taught Wilkinson, who kicked the winning drop goal in England’s historic World Cup win back in 2003, some of the kay basics to ensure survival if lost on remote terrain like that of Dartmoor.
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Here’s Who the 2003 World Cup Legends Are Now Settling Down With
Here’s a look at who these iconic players have settled down with and what they’ve been up to since lifting the trophy.
Jason Robinson – The Rugby Flyer Who Found Love in Sian Griffin
Jason Robinson’s first marriage to Amanda ended in divorce, and together they have six children, including Cameron, Jemimah, Joseph, and Lewis. In June 2017, Robinson married Sian Griffin, with whom he has a son, Noah, who is making waves as a footballer with Manchester City.
Robinson’s career post-rugby has been diverse, from coaching rugby league to a brief stint as Sale Sharks’ head coach. Meanwhile, his sons, Lewis Tierney and Patrick Robinson, have thrived in rugby league and professional cycling.
Will Greenwood – The Centre Who’s Been a Rock for His Family
Will Greenwood’s marriage to Caroline has seen highs and lows, including the heartbreaking loss of their son Freddie in 2002, who passed away just 45 minutes after birth. As patrons of Child Bereavement UK, they have turned their grief into a mission to support others.
The former centre has worked extensively in media, offering insightful commentary during the 2007 World Cup and becoming a leading pundit for Sky Sports. He also writes a column for the Daily Telegraph.
Mike Tindall – From Rugby Glory to Royal Romance
Mike Tindall’s romance with Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became public in 2003, but it was in 2010 that the couple got engaged. They now have two daughters, Mia and Lena.
The couple’s relationship has been closely followed by the media, especially after their chance meeting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Ben Cohen – The Winger Who Found New Love and a New Mission
Ben Cohen’s first marriage to Abby Blayney ended in 2016 after years of estrangement, with the couple sharing twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. Shortly after the divorce, Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff revealed they were expecting a child together, and their daughter Milena was born in January 2016.
Cohen is also a passionate anti-bullying advocate, having founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of bullying, including homophobia.
Jonny Wilkinson – The Golden Boot and Shelley’s Quiet Romance
Jonny Wilkinson, the man who kicked England to victory in 2003, married Shelley Jenkins in 2013 after eight years of dating. The private ceremony in the French resort town of Bandol was attended by just two guests, including Wilkinson’s mother.
The couple welcomed their son, James, in 2019 while living in France. Wilkinson has since embraced a media career, joining ITV for coverage of the 2024 Six Nations.
Matt Dawson – From A Question of Sport to Instagram Fitness Fame
Matt Dawson’s personal life has seen some ups and downs. After his breakup with Carolin Hauskeller, with whom he has two sons, Dawson found new love with personal trainer and content creator Elizabeth Kerry.
With over 11,000 Instagram followers, Kerry shares plenty of fitness content, and Dawson has been happily dating her. His career post-rugby has included stints as a television presenter, most notably on A Question of Sport, and he continues to be a familiar face in the media.
Lawrence Dallaglio – From Scandal to Stronger Than Ever
Lawrence Dallaglio’s relationship with Alice, a former model and art student, has endured for over two decades, despite a rocky patch during the 2003 World Cup when Alice had an affair with one of Dallaglio’s friends. They reconciled, married in 2005, and now have three children. Dallaglio’s influence in rugby remains strong, as he continues to be an authoritative voice in the sport since retiring in 2008.
Rugby Quiz:
Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best.
Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage.
Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
