Jonny Wilkinson

Legendary England Rugby Player, 2003 World Cup Winner, BBC Sports Personality of the Year & World Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee

Jonny Wilkinson’s Biography:

Jonny Wilkinson is one of the most iconic England rugby players of his generation and a central figure in England’s historic 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. Renowned for his precision, discipline and mental resilience, he earned 91 caps for England and six for the British & Irish Lions. His career is defined not only by sporting excellence but also by his openness around pressure, performance, wellbeing and personal growth, making him one of the most respected voices to emerge from elite sport.

Wilkinson began playing rugby at the youth level for Farnham Rugby Club before joining the Newcastle School of Rugby, initially playing at inside centre. He made his professional debut for Newcastle Falcons in 1997 and quickly became a fixture in the side that won the 1997–98 Allied Dunbar Premiership. In 1998, at the age of 18, he made his England debut and went on to feature in all matches of the 1999 Five Nations Championship. His international career progressed rapidly, including appearances in the 1999 Rugby World Cup, England’s 2000 Six Nations campaign and tours of South Africa, Australia and North America.

After 12 seasons with Newcastle Falcons, Wilkinson joined Toulon in 2009, where he enjoyed significant success, including winning the Heineken Cup and the French Top 14 before retiring from professional rugby in 2014. Since stepping away from the game, he has built a new career focused on wellbeing, performance and personal development. In 2018, he launched his venture Number 1 Living, through which he works with individuals and organisations to explore sustainable excellence, mental clarity and purpose beyond high-performance environments.

Wilkinson’s achievements have been recognised globally. He was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2003, appointed CBE for Services to Rugby Union in 2015, and inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves of all time, his legacy extends beyond rugby through his thoughtful advocacy of resilience, humility and long-term wellbeing in both sport and life.

Why Hire Jonny Wilkinson?

Jonny Wilkinson brings rare insight into elite performance under pressure, shaped by years at the very top of international sport. His experience of preparing for defining moments, managing expectation and maintaining focus in high-stakes environments resonates powerfully with leaders and teams across industries.

Beyond sporting success, Wilkinson speaks candidly about resilience, mental health, self-awareness and long-term wellbeing. His journey offers audiences an authentic perspective on sustaining excellence without burnout, making him a compelling speaker for organisations seeking depth, credibility and lasting impact.

Jonny Wilkinson’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Jonny Wilkinson’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Championed mental health awareness through a new wellbeing campaign in partnership with Milk & More, promoting daily wellbeing routines and positive mental health practices across the UK.
• 2018 – Launched Number 1 Living, a wellbeing and performance venture focused on sustainable excellence, mindfulness and personal development beyond elite sport.
• 2016 – Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting impact on international rugby.
• 2015 – Appointed CBE for Services to Rugby Union, acknowledging both his playing career and contribution to the sport.
• 2014 – Retired from professional rugby after a highly successful period with Toulon, leaving the game as one of its most respected figures.
• 2014 – Won the French Top 14 with Toulon, adding a domestic league title to his European success.
• 2013 – Won the Heineken Cup with Toulon, completing a rare set of major honours across international and club rugby.
• 2009 – Joined Toulon after 12 seasons with Newcastle Falcons, marking a new chapter in his career at the highest level of European rugby.
• 2006 – Helped lead England to the Rugby World Cup Final, reinforcing his role as a senior leader within the national side.
• 2003 – Scored the iconic extra-time drop goal in the Rugby World Cup Final, securing England’s first-ever World Cup victory and winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
• 2001 – Won the Powergen Cup with Newcastle Falcons, cementing his legacy at the club where his professional career began.
• 1998 – Made his England debut at just 18 years old, beginning an international career that would span 91 caps.