-
Jonny Wilkinson is regarded as one of the greatest England rugby players of all-time
-
The fly-half scored a last minute drop goal to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup
-
Estimates value Jonny Wilkinson’s wealth at around £16 million
Even if you’re not the biggest rugby fan on the planet, the chances are you’ll recognise the name Jonny Wilkinson. Heck, you may even recognise a photograph of that drop goal.
An iconic figure in the world of rugby union, Wilkinson will go down in history as one of the most successful players to wear the famous England jersey.
Wilkinson influenced rugby betting markets throughout his career, with his presence in the starting line-up often attracting plenty of attention in the media.
If Wilkinson was fit and raring to go, England were usually well fancied. A pivotal character on the pitch, his experience off it also proved beneficial in his later years.
Nowadays, the England fly-half can be heard airing his views on various media channels in the United Kingdom – including on ITV during the Six Nations Championship.
From playing for one of the greatest rugby union teams of all-time to his personal life away from the sport, we look at Jonny Wilkinson net worth, career highlights and more!
Net Worth
Rugby player wages are nothing compared to that of footballers but the best athletes in the sport can make an excellent living from the professional game.
Jonny Wilkinson was one of the standout players of his era and his impact and influence put him in an elite position where he could command a lucrative contract.
Taking that into account, we’ve searched far and wide for Jonny Wilkinson salary estimates and total wealth predictions for the England rugby star.
It is important to remember that such estimates are sourced from the internet and there is doubt over the accuracy of some Jonny Wilkinson wealth figures.
According to online sources, the general estimate for Jonny Wilkinson net worth works out at £16 million – much of which has been accrued directly from his playing career.
A stalwart in rugby betting tips since making his professional debut, Wilkinson earned a mega money contract with Toulon in 2009.
Figures suggest that Wilkinson was the highest paid player in French rugby during his two year spell at Toulon, earning approximately £623,000 per year.
In September 2011, Wilkinson launched an online men’s fashion label called Fineside with the primary aim of providing quality British streetwear to customers across the country.
That, as well as other ventures, has certainly contributed directly to Jonny Wilkinson wealth estimates over the years and his total worth may continue to increase.
Club Career
Jonny Wilkinson is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Newcastle Falcons, enjoying 11 glorious years in the north east.
Having joined the Falcons straight from school at just 18 years old, Wilkinson enjoyed a long and successful career at the club – helping Newcastle to the Premiership title in 1998.
While the Falcons slipped down the English Premiership pecking order, Wilkinson remained loyal to his boyhood team for over a decade before making the switch to Toulon.
In 2009, he signed a lucrative contract with Toulon and joined the French side ahead of their Top 14 campaign.
Wilkinson was a key figure for Toulon during the most successful period in the club’s history, helping the French side to Heineken Cup glory in Dublin.
Despite playing second fiddle to Toby Flood at international level, Wilkinson was playing at the top of his game at club level and he was named European Player of the Year in 2013.
Wilkinson conducted himself impeccably throughout his career, showing the utmost respect and love to each club and its supporters – further enhancing his reputation as one of the nicest guys in rugby.
England Career
From his debut as a budding youngster to assisting one of the best Rugby World Cup tries in the 2003 final, Jonny Wilkinson enjoyed a sensational international career.
Wilkinson established himself as the greatest fly-half on the planet for most of his 13-year international career – you’d be hard pressed to dispute that view.
By the end of his career, Wilkinson had made 91 appearances for England while racking up six British & Irish Lions performances.
His tally of 277 Rugby World Cup points is going to take some beating and the 2003 IRB Player of the Year will be remembered fondly at Twickenham for all eternity.
As well as the 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, Wilkinson helped his country to four Six Nations titles – including a Grand Slam success in 2003 – and two Triple Crowns.
Firmly cemented in the top 10 for most England appearances and leading the way with 1179 total points scored for the Red Rose, Wilkinson is one of the all-time greats.
Family Life
Jonny Wilkinson married girlfriend of eight years Shelley Jenkins in the town hall of the quaint French resort of Bandol October 2013.
It was an intimate ceremony with just two guests present, one of whom was Wilkinson’s mother, and was officiated by Bandol mayor Christian Palix.
Wilkinson wasn’t the only rugby player in the family though, with brother Mark making 16 appearances for the Newcastle Falcons between 2002 and 2005.
In fact, most of the Wilkinson family were sporty. Jonny’s father, Phil, was a fine rugby player and cricketer while mother Philippa played squash at county level.
Known for being teetotal throughout his rugby career, Wilkinson broke that habit after the defeat to South Africa in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final.
However, Wilkinson swears by a natural foods diet and he has spoken only about avoiding toxins and ensuring the best possible nutritional value.
Autobiography
A leading figure in the rugby media world, Wilkinson has written five books during his life – as well as contributing rugby columns for several publications.
His first release was Lions and Falcons: My Diary of a Remarkable Year in 2001, which was produced with the help of ghostwriter Neil Squires.
Following England’s Rugby World Cup sports odds shock, Wilkinson released his second book, My World, in 2004. This was predominantly picture-based…
How To Play Rugby My Way followed in 2005, accompanying a BBC television series that focused mainly on rugby coaching and tips for improving technique.
Three years later, Wilkinson released Tackling Life – a slightly darker insight into Wilkinson’s life after his rugby injuries. The fifth and final release Jonny: My Autobiography then came out in 2011.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th March 2022
