Is Jonny Wilkinson Still Married? Who is Jonny Wilkinson Married to?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Sep 09, 2023
Who is Jonny Wilkinson?
Jonathan Peter Wilkinson, CBE, born on May 25, 1979, is a former English rugby union player celebrated for his outstanding career. Primarily a fly-half, Wilkinson made significant contributions to both club and international rugby, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
During his illustrious career, Wilkinson played for two prominent clubs, the Newcastle Falcons and Toulon, spanning an impressive twelve seasons in the English Premiership. In 2009, he made a pivotal move to Toulon, where he enjoyed a highly successful stint, securing two Heineken Cups and a Top 14 championship in the course of five seasons.
Wilkinson's international career with England was equally remarkable, earning him 91 caps in total. He was a pivotal figure in the England squad that achieved a historic victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, a moment immortalized by his match-winning drop goal in the final against Australia, coming in the last minute of extra time. This iconic kick solidified his status as one of rugby union's all-time greats.
Notably, he persevered through multiple injuries during his career, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination. Wilkinson was also a key player in the England team that reached the final of the 2007 World Cup. Additionally, Wilkinson had the honor of representing the British & Irish Lions on two occasions, touring with them in 2001 to Australia and in 2005 to New Zealand, earning a total of six caps during these tours.
After the 2013–14 season, Jonathan Wilkinson made the difficult decision to retire from professional rugby. His incredible achievements did not go unnoticed, as he was rightfully inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Today, Wilkinson has transitioned into a successful career as a studio pundit for ITV Sport. He provides expert analysis and commentary for various rugby events, including the Six Nations Championship and Rugby World Cup, continuing to contribute his knowledge and passion to the sport that he graced with his exceptional talent.
Birth name
Jonathan Peter Wilkinson
Date of birth
25 May 1979 (age 44)
Place of birth
Frimley, England
Height
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight
14 st 0 lb (89 kg)
School
Lord Wandsworth College
Wife
Shelley Jenkins
Is Jonny Wilkinson Still Married?
Yes, Jonny Wilkinson is still married to Shelley Jenkins. They got married in a quiet and intimate ceremony in the South of France, near Toulon, where Jonny played rugby. The wedding took place a decade after Jonny's famous Rugby World Cup victory in 2003. They met when Shelley was working as a cocktail waitress in Majorca, and their relationship blossomed from there.
Shelley, originally from near Bristol, moved to France with Jonny when he joined Toulon in 2009, and they both made efforts to embrace French life, including learning the language. Despite their high-profile lives, they chose to keep their wedding private, with only two witnesses and no family members in attendance.
Jonny Wilkinson and Shelley Jenkins have maintained their relationship and continue to be together. While Jonny's rugby career has transitioned into retirement, they have chosen to keep their personal life relatively quiet, away from the public eye. Their love story, which began in Magaluf, has endured, and they are still happily married.
Who is Jonny Wilkinson Married to?
Jonny Wilkinson is married to his long-time partner, Shelley Jenkins. They recently had a private wedding ceremony in the southern French resort town of Bandol. Jonny, who is famous for his legendary last-minute drop goal that secured England's victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup against Australia, currently plays for the French Top 14 club Toulon, located near Bandol.
The couple has been together for eight years, having met on a beach in Majorca shortly after Jonny's previous relationship with TV sports presenter Diana Stewart ended. Their love story evolved, leading them to make their home in Bandol, where they decided to tie the knot in a quiet and intimate ceremony. Only two witnesses were present at the wedding, making it a low-key and private affair.
Bandol's mayor, Christian Palix, officiated the ceremony and spoke highly of Jonny Wilkinson, describing him as an iconic figure in the sports world with exceptional human qualities. So, in simple terms, Jonny Wilkinson is married to Shelley Jenkins, and they had a small and private wedding in Bandol, France, where they both live.
Jonny Wilkinson Career
Jonny Wilkinson's rugby career experienced its ups and downs from 2007 to 2014. Following his iconic role in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, injuries severely disrupted his international career. He didn't return to the England squad until 2007, where he made an impressive comeback, scoring a record 27 points in a match against Scotland.
In 2007, he also became the highest point-scorer in Rugby World Cup history, surpassing Gavin Hastings. During the 2008 Six Nations Championship, he became the first English player to score 1,000 Test points and held the record for the most drop goals in international rugby with 36. Wilkinson also became the highest international point-scorer, overtaking Neil Jenkins.
In 2009, he made a successful return to the England Elite Squad after a stint with Toulon, securing a place in the 2009 Autumn internationals. Although injuries affected his playtime and temporarily cost him the title of all-time leading points scorer in test rugby to Dan Carter, Wilkinson reclaimed the record during the 2011 Six Nations Championship.
In 2011, he briefly lost the record to Carter but officially retired from Test Rugby on December 12, 2011. His club career with Toulon saw remarkable success, including Heineken Cup and Top 14 victories. In May 2014, he retired from all forms of rugby, ending his illustrious career as one of the sport's legends.
Throughout his career, Wilkinson's dedication, exceptional kicking skills, and leadership qualities made him a rugby icon. His impact extended beyond the field, contributing to Toulon's success and serving as a role model for humility and hard work.
How Old is Jonny Wilkinson?
As of 2023, He is 44 years old. Jonny Wilkinson, born on May 25, 1979, entered the world at Frimley Park Hospital in Frimley, Surrey. He spent his formative years growing up in the town of Farnham. Jonny's educational journey took him to Pierrepont School in Frensham and later to Lord Wandsworth College near Hook, Hampshire. During his youth, he displayed his rugby talents as he actively participated in the Farnham Rugby Club.
In 1997, a pivotal moment arrived when Jonny secured a place at the University of Durham. However, he made the life-altering decision to forgo his academic pursuit and instead embark on a professional rugby union career with the Newcastle Falcons. This choice marked the beginning of his remarkable journey as a rugby superstar, ultimately leading him to become one of the sport's most iconic figures.
Jonny Wilkinson's dedication and talent on the rugby field would go on to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of rugby union.
Jonny Wilkinson 2023
It's been two decades since the unforgettable Rugby World Cup final in 2003, a match etched in rugby history where Jonny Wilkinson's heroic drop goal broke Australian hearts and secured England's first-ever World Cup victory. In a recent interview with key players from that epic night, including Mat Rogers, the Australian fullback, memories of the lead-up to the final and the game itself were shared.
As preparations intensified for the final, the Australian team had the privilege of hearing from motivational speakers, with Ricky Stuart scheduled to address the players. However, a personal situation involving Stuart's autistic daughter prevented him from delivering his speech. Rogers, a fan of Stuart's competitive spirit, was deeply disappointed as he believed Stuart's words could have provided a crucial edge to the team.
In addition to this setback, the Australian team faced challenges as they lost important players like Toutai Kefu and Ben Darwin due to injuries. These losses weighed heavily on the team, and the desire to win the World Cup was fueled by the dedication and effort put in by these players.
The anticipation and emotions surrounding the final were palpable, and as the world knows, it turned into an iconic match, eventually decided by Jonny Wilkinson's dramatic drop goal in extra time, sealing England's historic victory. The interview offers a glimpse into the mindset of the Australian team before that fateful final, highlighting the impact of unforeseen circumstances and the dedication to winning for their injured teammates.
Is Jonny Wilkinson Still Married:FAQs
The 2003 Rugby World Cup final was significant as it marked England's first-ever World Cup victory, secured by Jonny Wilkinson's dramatic drop goal in extra time.
Mat Rogers was Australia's fullback, and Jonny Wilkinson was England's standout player, especially known for his match-winning drop goal.
Ricky Stuart was expected to provide motivational insights, but he couldn't make it due to a personal situation involving his autistic daughter.
Australia lost important players like Toutai Kefu and Ben Darwin to injuries, which added to the team's challenges.
The dedication and effort put in by injured teammates, along with the disappointment of missing Ricky Stuart's speech, served as motivating factors for the Australian team.