Jonny Wilkinson has retired from international rugby, aged 32. Wilkinson represented his country 91 times, played in four World Cups and has toured with the British and Irish Lions twice.

Wilkinson’s most famous moment came when he kicked the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup Final in Sydney for England against Australia.

For a fly half his tackling was as fearless as it was ferocious. He constantly delivered under pressure and recovered from a series of injuries and setbacks to rise back to the top on the international stage.

“To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other setbacks gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment,” commented Wilkinson on his website.

Former England inside centre, Jeremy Guscott said: “He was world-class, the best in his position, and when he dropped that goal to win the World Cup for England he became immortalised. I’ll always remember playing against Newcastle early on in his career. I got tackled and thought I’d been hit by two men because it was so hard, but when I looked up it was just Jonny stood there on his own.”

Wilkinson’s total of 277 points at a World Cup is 50 points more than anyone else. He amassed a total of 1,246 international points which is only second to New Zealand’s Dan Carter (1,250). England won 67 (74%) of the 91 Tests Wilkinson played in.

Sir Clive Woodward, coach of the 2003 World Champions, said that Wilkinson took rugby to a whole new level. “Jonny was special and he scared the opposition. Everyone has to pat him on the back.”

Well done Jonny!