Jonny Wilkinson has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season, following the Heineken Cup final on Saturday (May 24th).
The 34-year-old fly-half is most famous for kicking the winning drop goal to ensure England won thje Rugby World Cup final in 2003, and has amassed 91 caps in total for his country across 13 seasons.
After his club side Touloun’s Heineken Cup final match against Saracens at the Millenium Stadium, Wilkinson will play two more games before hanging up his boots for good.
Wilkinson made the announcement in a statement issued today, saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce my retirement from playing rugby.
“It goes without saying that I have an enormous number of people to thank for their support from all around the world but especially here in France and in England.
“This however is not at all the time to be concentrating on this as I would like to focus all my attention and energy on the team and these final two games of the season.
“I sincerely thank you all for everything you have given me and for making these last 17 years something I will never forget.”
Wilkinson had previously retired from international rugby back in 2011 after securing a fourth Six Nations title with England. Since then he has enjoyed success in France, with his final match being the the Top 14 Grand Final against Castres on May 31st.
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