Jonathan Peter Wilkinson, CBE, a former English rugby union player lauded for his great career, was born on May 25, 1979. Wilkinson, who played mostly as a fly-half, had a huge impact on both club and international rugby and left a lasting legacy.
Wilkinson had a distinguished career that spanned twelve seasons in the English Premiership and included appearances for the Newcastle Falcons and Toulon. He made a significant transfer in 2009, moving to Toulon, where he had five seasons of great success, winning two Heineken Cups and the Top 14 championship.
With 91 total caps, Wilkinson had an equally impressive international career with England. He was a key member of the England team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, a feat immortalized by his game-winning drop goal against Australia in the extra time of the championship match.
His reputation as one of rugby union’s all-time greats was cemented by this legendary kick. Notably, he persisted despite suffering numerous injuries throughout his career, displaying tremendous fortitude and willpower.
Wilkinson was also a vital member of the England squad that advanced to the 2007 World Cup final. Wilkinson also had the privilege of representing the British & Irish Lions twice, traveling with them to Australia in 2001 and to New Zealand in 2005. During these trips, he earned a total of six caps.
Jonathan Wilkinson made the painful choice to leave the rugby world after the 2013–14 campaign. He was appropriately elected into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016, a monument to his ongoing influence on the sport, demonstrating that his extraordinary accomplishments were not ignored.
Wilkinson has developed a solid career as an ITV Sports studio pundit today. He continues to share his expertise and enthusiasm for rugby by providing insightful analysis and commentary for a variety of rugby tournaments, such as the Six Nations Championship and Rugby World Cup.
Ten years after his historic Rugby World Cup victory in 2003, Jonny Wilkinson is still blissfully married to Shelley Jenkins. They were wed in the South of France. You can read all the information below.
Is Jonny Wilkinson Still Married?
Yes, Jonny Wilkinson and Shelley Jenkins are still wed. In the South of France, close to Toulon, where Jonny played rugby, they were united in marriage in a secluded and private ceremony. Ten years after Jonny’s epic Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003, the couple were married.
They first connected while Shelley was serving drinks in Majorca, and their romance developed from there. When Jonny joined Toulon in 2009, Shelley, who is originally from a town close to Bristol, relocated to France with him.
They both made an attempt to integrate into French culture, including learning the language. Despite their public lives, they choose to have a private wedding with just two witnesses and no family members present.
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The relationship between Jonny Wilkinson and Shelley Jenkins has endured and they are still together. Jonny’s rugby career has ended, but they have opted to keep their private lives relatively private and out of the spotlight. They are still blissfully married, and their Magaluf-based love tale has persisted.
Who is Jonny Wilkinson Married to?
Shelley Jenkins, Jonny Wilkinson’s longtime partner, is his wife. They recently exchanged vows in a private ceremony in the resort town of Bandol in southern France. Jonny presently plays for the French Top 14 side Toulon, which is located close to Bandol and is well-known for his illustrious last-second drop goal that gave England the victory over Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Eight years ago, shortly after the breakup of Jonny’s last relationship with TV sports presenter Diana Stewart, the two fell in love and have been together ever since. They first met on a beach in Majorca. Their relationship developed, taking them to Bandol, where they made their home.
There, they made the decision to get married in a private ceremony. The wedding was quiet and intimate, with only two witnesses in attendance. Christian Palix, the mayor of Bandol, presided over the event and praised Jonny Wilkinson, calling him an outstanding figure in athletics with exceptional character traits.
So, to put it simply, Jonny Wilkinson and Shelley Jenkins are wed. Their intimate wedding took place in Bandol, France, where they both currently reside.
Jonny has talked about his battles with both depression and anxiety. He described his worry in an interview with The Guardian by saying:
“When I was younger it was 50-50, half of me was loving the game, half was worrying about what would happen if it went wrong. And as I got older that ratio became 70-30, then 85-15, and it left so little space for joy.”
Jonny Wilkinson Career
From 2007 to 2014, Jonny Wilkinson’s rugby career had its ups and downs. After playing a legendary part in England’s success at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, injuries seriously interfered with his international career.
It wasn’t until 2007 that he was able to make a comeback for England, scoring a record-breaking 27 points against Scotland. In 2007, he surpassed Gavin Hastings to become the Rugby World Cup player with the most points ever scored.
The first English player to reach 1,000 Test points, he set the record for the most drop goals in international rugby history with 36 during the 2008 Six Nations Championship. Wilkinson surpassed Neil Jenkins to become the international player with the most points.
He successfully rejoined the England Elite Squad in 2009 after playing for Toulon, earning a spot in the 2009 Autumn Internationals. Despite the fact that injuries limited his playing time and temporarily allowed Dan Carter to surpass him as the all-time leader in test rugby scoring, Wilkinson recaptured the record during the 2011 Six Nations Championship.
See his Latest Instagram post below:
Carter briefly overtook him in 2011, but on December 12, 2011, he formally retired from Test Rugby. He achieved exceptional success during his club career with Toulon, winning the Heineken Cup and the Top 14. He ended his storied career as one of rugby’s superstars in May 2014 by quitting all forms of the sport.
Wilkinson became a rugby legend throughout his career thanks to his commitment, superb kicking abilities, and leadership abilities. He had an impact off the field as well, helping Toulon succeed and setting an example of humility and perseverance.
