Tributes paid to Jonny Wilkinson
14/12/2011
Tributes have been paid to Jonny Wilkinson, who has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.
The fly half bows out after 91 caps and 1,246 Test points, with former team-mate Lewis Moody calling him "one of the most professional individuals I have ever worked with".
Similarly, Mark Cueto said: "The more he achieved, the harder he worked," describing this attitude as "unbelievable", while Sir Clive Woodward called him a "role model" for his dedication.
Such attributes - allied to the ability that was most famously illustrated by his 2003 Rugby World Cup Final-winning drop goal - mean whoever those enjoying corporate hospitality at Twickenham see playing in the Six Nations at fly-half for England will have big boots to fill.
There may be more changes in the offing as stand-in assistant coach Graham Rowntree has said now could be a good time for an "influx" of young talent into the senior squad.
By Liz Johnstone
