Jonny Wilkinson CBE

Former Professional Rugby Player

RC Toulonnais & Newcastle Falcons

London, UK

Biography

Jonny Wilkinson made his name as one of the shining lights of English rugby union and is widely regarded as one of the greatest to have ever played the sport. Playing at the position of fly-half, Wilkinson will forever be fondly remembered for his winning drop goal during England’s historic 2003 World Cup Final victory over Australia, a moment that captured the hearts of a nation.

After a sterling twelve seasons spent at English Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, Jonny transferred to French club Toulon and his spell across the channel coincided with two Heineken Cup triumphs and culminated in a Top 14 championship trophy in his final season and final game. Wilkinson compiled a hugely impressive 91 caps at international level for England, whilst also featuring during two British and Irish Lions tours and was granted the invaluable honour of being inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.

Refusing to rest on his laurels, upon retirement in 2014, Wilkinson successfully embarked upon a career within the world of business. With his impeccable knowledge and insight acquired throughout a storied career, he became a pundit for ITV Sport and Sky Sports, appearing on a plethora of rugby union competition broadcasts, including coverage of the Six Nations, World Cup and England internationals.

Opportunities have been endless, and Wilkinson has taken full advantage, establishing his own brand of health drinks, No.1 Living and fashion line, Fineside. A man of many talents, equally adept at each, he has published five books, detailing an abundance of experiences garnered throughout a substantial sporting career. Jonny is a passionate charity advocate and has founded his own foundation "NSPiRED," which aims to support and inspire people, specifically the younger generation, towards revealing potential and enjoying amazing life experiences.

His exemplary services to the game of rugby have been recognised by HM the Queen, appointing Wilkinson as a CBE.

Jonny Wilkinson’s Newsfeed

The Irish News

Jonny Wilkinson: These days I prefer to be open and joyfully curious about life

Former professional rugby player, Jonny Wilkinson said "I feel I've gone through three phases in my life. The first was trying to be the best ever [rugby player] on a journey full of stress and pressure; the second trying to be the best I could be, but only by comparison with others and sometimes only feeling better when others lost and suffered misfortune."

Jonny Wilkinson’s Background

RC Toulonnais & Newcastle Falcons

Former Professional Rugby Player

London, UK

English National Rugby Union Team

Professional Rugby Player

1998 - 2011

London, UK

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Philanthropy

Jonny Wilkinson Foundation

Founder

London, UK

Jonny is a passionate charity advocate and has founded his own foundation "NSPiRED," which aims to support and inspire people towards revealing potential and enjoying amazing life experiences. The NSPiRED Foundation also collaborates with teachers, youth club leaders and sports coaches in order to help create liberating environments for the younger generation to flourish. Promoting everything from understanding, awareness, application and transformation, the organisation works to encourage engagement and inclusivity and ensure that everyone is able to recognise their infinite and untouchable self-worth and potential.

Action for A-T

Haslemere, UK

Established in 2012, Action for A-T is a charity that uses medical research in order to accelerate the process of finding a cure for Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare disabling childhood condition. The charity also seeks to recognise treatments that could prevent or delay the disabling effects. This research offers greater understanding and hope that the condition may be improved or cured.

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Media

ITV Sport

London, UK

Publications

Jonny: My Autobiography

Author

May 2012

London, UK

On the surface, Jonny Wilkinson is a heavily decorated rugby legend who has achieved all there is to in the game. However, the calmness exuded outwardly covered up an alternate reality. In his autobiography, Wilkinson details his psychological tussle throughout his career, comprising of extraordinary highs, the lows of depression and the occasion he almost walked out on Martin Johnson's England.

Tackling Life

Co-Author

May 2009

London, UK

In this captivating title, Jonny, revered for his exploits on the world rugby stage, reveals his excessive fear of failure and the struggles faced battling an array of injuries. Assisted in writing by Steve Black, the book also reveals strategies employed to combat difficulties, with never before told stories serving as an inspiration for all.

Awards & Endorsements

BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Winner

Dec 2003

London, UK

First awarded in 1954, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year is an annual awards ceremony. Currently, eight awards are presented and the trophy for the main accolade is a silver-plated four-turret lens camera. Jonny won the award after a year in which he scored the winning drop goal in the dying embers of England's historic World Cup final victory over Australia.

World Rugby Player of the Year

Winner

Nov 2003

Monaco, MC

First awarded in 2001, World Rugby Player of the Year is handed out annually by World Rugby at the World Rugby Awards. It was originally referred to as the IRB World Rugby Player of the Year award, changing in 2014 as the International Rugby Board became World Rugby. The award was first presented in London and Jonny's former position, fly-half, is the most successful with seven wins.

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Academic Appointments

University of Surrey

Honorary Doctorate

Apr 2009 - Present

Guildford, UK

Established in 1966, the University of Surrey is one of four in the University Global Partnership Network. It has been awarded three Queen's Anniversary Prizes for its research and its main campus is in Guildford, adjacent to the Cathedral. It was named as The Sunday Times University of the Year in 2016. Jonny was awarded the Honorary Doctorate on 3 April 2009 for his services to sport.

University of Northumbria

Honorary Doctorate

2004 - Present

Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

The University of Northumbria, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, has a reputation of academic excellence which has been achieved through innovative programmes, research and teaching, traditional values and both social and cultural diversity. In 2004, Jonny was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by the Psychology and Sports Sciences.

Commercial Partners

KPMG

London, UK

Société Générale

London, UK

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Business Interests

Beyond Performance

Presenter

London, UK

Beyond is Jonny's performance business, created to enhance leadership, performance and relationships through fully engaged experience of physical and mental wellbeing. Using insights and practical techniques obtained from on and off the playing field, Beyond offers a number of different products designed to help individuals to grow and explore potential, regardless of their background/occupation.

No.1 Living

Founder

London, UK

Jonny's passion for leading a healthy lifestyle has led him to launch No.1 Living to make it easier for everyone to start consuming living foods on a daily basis, providing healthier alternative drinks, such as kombucha, with a range of functional benefits. By putting our wellbeing first, by making it our no.1 priority and improving the quality of what we put into our body we get more out of life.