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“Unfinished business” – Jonny Wilkinson opens up on rugby return
Jonny Wilkinson

England legend Jonny Wilkinson has opened up about his rugby journey, admitting he still has “unfinished business” 15 years after his international retirement.

The 2003 World Cup hero shared an emotional message with fans on Thursday.

And it seems the man with the most famous left boot in English rugby still has plenty to give.

Wilkinson, now 47, has been sharing more of his rugby knowledge through coaching sessions and social media videos.

From kicking tips to detailed breakdowns, the former England fly-half remains as keen on the sport as ever.

Jonny Wilkinson opens up

Wilkinson shared two photos from the 2011 Rugby World Cup, his last tournament with England.

He also admitted his international career did not finish as he had hoped.

“I retired from international rugby 15 yrs ago. It didn’t end the way I hoped.”

But the next part of his message caught the eye.

“But where there is still passion, there is unfinished business.”

The former Toulon star added that he still had plenty to discover about himself.

“Performance and finding out what I’m capable of is my life purpose.”

He also stressed that his drive remains just as strong away from the pitch.

A new chapter for England legend

Wilkinson may have hung up his boots, but his love for rugby has never faded.

In January, the World Cup winner returned to his boyhood club Farnham RFC to help coach the next generation.

And earlier this month, he led a kicking clinic at Sutton Valence School.

The session saw him share the skills and habits that made him one of rugby's greatest kickers.

It wasn't his first taste of coaching, either.

Back in 2024, Wilkinson worked with England's coaching staff, helping Marcus Smith and Fin Smith prepare for the summer Tests.

And anyone who remembers his famous training habits will hardly be shocked.

This was a man who made an art form out of staying behind after training.

He's still got it

Wilkinson has also been showing fans that his famous left boot still works.

The former fly-half casually sent a rugby ball through a basketball hoop.

England cricket star Jonny Bairstow was among those left impressed.

The video was another reminder that class is permanent.

Now, rather than landing match-winning kicks himself, Wilkinson is passing on his knowledge.

Whether that leads to a bigger coaching role remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear.

Jonny Wilkinson still isn't finished with rugby.

Five facts about Jonny Wilkinson you might not know

1. He was just 18 when he made his England debut

Wilkinson made his England debut against Ireland in 1998.

He was just 18 years old and went on to win 91 caps for his country.

2. His famous World Cup kick came with his weaker foot

Wilkinson's winning drop goal against Australia in 2003 came from his right foot.

That's right. One of rugby's most famous left-footed kickers won the World Cup with his weaker foot.

3. He scored more than 1,200 points for England

Wilkinson finished his England career with 1,179 Test points.

Add his six British and Irish Lions points, and his international total rises to 1,185.

4. He won the European Cup twice with Toulon

Wilkinson joined Toulon in 2009 and helped turn the French club into a European powerhouse.

He lifted the Heineken Cup in both 2013 and 2014 before retiring from professional rugby.

5. He received a CBE from the Queen

Wilkinson was awarded an MBE in 2003 and an OBE in 2004.

He was later made a CBE in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to rugby union.

Pick your England XV for the Autumn Nations Championship

Steve Borthwick has some big calls to make ahead of England's autumn campaign.

But who would make YOUR starting XV?

Would you stick with the tried and tested stars or give some fresh faces a chance?

Now it's your turn to play England boss.

Use our interactive team selector below to pick your dream England XV. Choose all 15 players and see how your side compares with other fans.

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