I remember watching the 2003 Rugby World Cup final as the ball was passed back to Jonny Wilkinson and the earth seemed to stand still. Right then, in those few seconds the sporting fate of a nation rested on one man’s shoulders, or rather his boot. As the ball fly between the sticks, the impossible had just happened, well actually three impossible things happened. One – An English team had won a major sporting event against Australia IN Australia. Two – that England team beat one of the best Australian Rugby Union teams established. Three – England had just won a major sporting trophy, a bloody world cup! If it weren’t for Mr Wilkinson, an entire generation would have gone without a major tournament win.  I remember reading the papers at the time and the best quote was something along the lines of “there’s a small piece of a foreign field in Sydney that will forever be England”.

The true gift that Wilkinson gave to millions was his passion and dedication to his craft. the are numerous stories of his constant practicing and the refinement of his kicking skills. But, you have to wonder at what personal costs this came. Is it the right time for him to retire? I personally wouldn’t have minded watching him in at least one more 6 nations. But then again, maybe I’m biased, after all I’m watching another sporting hero head-off into the unknown that is retirement. So, thanks for the memories Jonny.

Roger, Wilko and out.