LONDON Dec 12 (Reuters) – England flyhalf Jonny
Wilkinson has retired from international rugby, the 2003 World
Cup winner said on Monday.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce my
retirement from international rugby,” he said in a statement on
his website (www.jonnywilkinson.com).
“To do so fills me with great sadness but I know that I have
been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have
with the England rugby team.”
Wilkinson, 32, enjoyed a highly successful international
career spanning 13 years and 91 caps.
His drop goal in extra time secured England’s victory over
Australia in the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney and he helped
his country reach the final again four years later when they
lost to South Africa.
“I never ever believed that I would be able to give up on
this dream which has driven me to live, breathe, love and
embrace the game of rugby from the earliest days that I can
remember,” Wilkinson added.
(Reporting by Toby Davis; editing by xxx)
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