Jonny Wilkinson – the name that echoes through the annals of rugby history.
From clinching the 2003 Rugby World Cup with that iconic drop goal to being hailed as one of the greatest players of all time, Wilkinson’s legacy is set in stone.
But when it comes to his son, James, following in his illustrious footsteps, Jonny has a different hope.
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Wilkinson’s Wish: A Life Away from Rugby
Despite all the success, Wilkinson is adamant that he doesn’t want his son to experience the pressures he faced during his rugby career. Jonny, who has been open about his struggles with mental health, once revealed his feelings in an interview with Mail Online, before James was even born.
“I would hope to high heaven that if I had a boy, he would not get, or have, the same mindset I had,” Wilkinson admitted. “A lot of the pressure of my career I put on myself. It was hell a lot of the time.”
In fact, Jonny sees it as a “waste” if his son were to follow the same path. “I’d like to think, in a very honest, open, spiritual way, I’d be able to say, ‘Do whatever you want.’ But at the same time…”
A Love Story Away from the Pitch
Jonny tied the knot with Shelley Jenkins in a private ceremony on the stunning French Riviera on October 21, 2013. The couple, who met back in 2005, now have one child, James, born in 2018.
Before settling down with Shelley, Wilkinson had a high-profile relationship with Sky Sports presenter Diana Stewart. The relationship ended in 2005, with friends noting that Wilkinson’s all-consuming dedication to rugby was a significant factor.
“It is the same with all his relationships; rugby got in the way then, as it is doing now,” one friend revealed.
Diana Stewart: Moving On
Diana, now happily married to European Tour golfer Nick Dougherty, also dated Declan Donnelly of Ant & Dec fame following her split from Wilkinson. Reflecting on her time with Jonny, Diana shared, “We are not in a relationship at the moment, but we are still very close. Jonny and I speak every day… Even so, we are still incredibly supportive of each other. It works well.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Strain of Perfection
Wilkinson’s career was marked by perfectionism, a trait that undoubtedly contributed to his rugby success but also placed immense pressure on his personal life. His split with Diana Stewart was a reflection of that burden, as rugby always seemed to come first.
For his son, Jonny envisions a different kind of life, free from the weight of expectation that comes with the Wilkinson name in the rugby world.
What England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup heroes look like now, some are very different
Sir Clive Woodward’s England lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy for the first – and so far only – time in 2003, after a Jonny Wilkinson drop goal in extra time.
Woodward’s side are still the only northern hemisphere side to win the World Cup, with the other nine tournaments won by South Africa (four), New Zealand (three) and Australia (two).
In a video posted by England Rugby’s Instagram account, Wilkinson – who scored the all important drop goal 28 seconds from time – said: ‘It’s great being back with all the guys from the squad 20 years on.
‘It’s great to be able to see everyone, and to get a feel of what everyone’s been up to, but also to I guess get a feel for why we were able to do what we did 20 years ago, because it still lives on in everyone.’
Take a look at how some of the key players look now:
Phil Vickery
A former Gloucester and London Wasps prop, Phil Vickery called time on his career at the end of the 2010 Premiership season. The two-time British & Irish Lion was a revered opponent across the world, and has since started a successful clothing brand ‘Raging Bull’, with his on-field nickname. Vickery was forced into retirement due to a series of neck injuries, and in 2012 he joined Worcester Warriors as their Scrum Coach.
Vickery has also tried his hand at sports broadcasting, as he was apart of the commentary team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. His on-screen appearances have also been witnessed across a variety of TV shows, including ‘Celebrity MasterChef’, which he won in 2011. An eternal fan favourite at Kingsholm Stadium, Vickery was appointed the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2015.
Jonny Wilkinson
Renowned for his iconic drop-goal that secured victory against Australia in the 2003 final, Wilkinson transitioned into a coaching role with Toulon, focusing on kicking and skills development following his retirement. He also now works as a pundit for ITV Sport during Rugby World Cup’s and the Six Nations.
Will Greenwood
Greenwood continued to shine on the international stage following the 2003 glory, and went on to represent the British & Irish Lions for their 2005 tour to New Zealand. He ended his career at Harlequins in 2006, and soon gave his experienced views through analysis and punditry. Greenwood co-hosted the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ TV series with former Wales international Scott Quinnell, and was an on-screen analyst for ITV as England reached the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Will has also explored opportunities away from rugby, and is the current Chief Customer Officer for data and software company Afiniti’s London office. Greenwood’s family was struck with tragedy, after his son Freddie died just 45 minutes after being born. The former England centre underwent an inspirational walk to the North Pole in memory of his son, and helped to raise over £750,000 for Borne’s research. Greenwood is a patron of Borne, who are a medical research charity that work with cases of premature birth. He is also a patron of Child Bereavement UK, which is a charity that support parents who have lost a child.
