RUGBY:JONNY WILKINSON has retired from international rugby at the age of 32 after winning 91 caps for England and six for the Lions. He scored 1,246 points in Test match rugby and in 2003 dropped the goal in extra-time that won the World Cup for England against Australia in Sydney.

Wilkinson, who is in his third season with Toulon after leaving Newcastle, made his decision five days after the English RFU named an interim coaching team, headed by Stuart Lancaster, for the Six Nations championship.

His final appearance was against France in the World Cup quarter-final at Eden Park last October.

In a statement on his own website he wrote: “I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from international rugby.

“To do so fills me with great sadness, but I know I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team.

“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. But, by now, I know myself well enough to know I will never truly be satisfied!”

Wilkinson played in four World Cup campaigns, playing in the 2007 final against South Africa at Stade de France, and went on two Lions tours, in 2001 and 2005. His international debut was in 1998.

“Jonny will, of course, be remembered for that drop goal but he is more than that, a model sportsman – down to earth and hard working, who has never stopped trying to be the best that he can,” said Lancaster.

“Everyone who has played with, coached and watched Jonny play should feel privileged to have had an involvement with him. Not only has he been a world-class player, but he has inspired thousands to play and watch the game of rugby.

“I would like to go and see him in France to learn from his vast knowledge and experience of 13 years at the very top of the international game.”