Jonny Wilkinson, the man whose name is forever etched in rugby history for his nerve-shredding drop goal that sealed England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, remains a magnetic force in the sport. More than two decades on, Wilkinson’s influence resonates far beyond the pitch. As a leading voice in the media and a respected pundit for ITV’s Six Nations coverage, he continues to dissect the game with the same precision and insight that defined his playing days.
Wilkinson’s journey from celebrated fly-half to trusted commentator has been anything but straightforward. His career, marked by extraordinary highs and relentless dedication, also brought its fair share of personal challenges. In recent years, Wilkinson has opened up about the unique pressures that accompanied his rugby stardom, revealing the toll it sometimes took on his private life. He credits much of his post-retirement happiness to the unwavering support of his wife, Shelley Jenkins.
The couple’s story began in 2005, not long after Wilkinson ended a headline-grabbing relationship with Sky Sports presenter Diana Stewart. Their romance blossomed quietly, away from the spotlight, culminating in an intimate wedding in Bandol, France, on October 21, 2013. The ceremony was a notably private affair, attended by just two guests, reflecting Wilkinson’s preference for life away from the limelight. Together, Jonny and Shelley welcomed their son, James, in 2019, settling into family life in France—a world away from the intensity of international rugby.
Wilkinson’s former partner, Diana Stewart, also found happiness following their split. After joining Sky Sports in 2003 and quickly establishing herself as a prominent golf presenter, Stewart went on to marry professional golfer Nick Dougherty on New Year’s Eve 2010. Her journey through the world of sports media has been equally eventful, including a previous relationship with TV personality Declan Donnelly. Both Stewart and Wilkinson have spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing high-profile careers with personal commitments, with friends noting that Wilkinson’s singular focus on rugby was often a stumbling block in his relationships.
Wilkinson’s story is far from unique among England’s 2003 World Cup heroes. Many of his teammates have experienced their own share of life’s twists and turns since that unforgettable night in Sydney. Jason Robinson, another key figure in England’s World Cup campaign, remarried in 2017 and now supports his son’s budding football career. Will Greenwood, who has transitioned into a successful media role, dedicates much of his time to Child Bereavement UK, channeling personal loss into meaningful advocacy work. Mike Tindall’s marriage to Zara Phillips has made headlines for its royal connections, while Ben Cohen has become a leading voice in anti-bullying efforts, inspired by his experiences following the end of his first marriage. Matt Dawson, meanwhile, keeps fans engaged with fitness content alongside his new partner, and Lawrence Dallaglio’s enduring relationship has seen him raise three children, underscoring the deep bonds forged within rugby’s tight-knit community.
As England’s rugby legends have evolved away from the pitch, so too has the sport itself. The passage of time has only burnished Wilkinson’s reputation, with his name now firmly entrenched among the game’s all-time greats. The Radio Times’ recently released list of the top 10 rugby union players of all time, published on February 14, 2026, placed Wilkinson at number four—a testament to his enduring legacy. The list, which also featured modern stars like Antoine Dupont and Sergio Parisse, as well as icons such as Bryan Habana, Gareth Edwards, and Martin Johnson, sparked lively debate across the rugby world. Johnson, of course, was the steely captain who led England to World Cup glory alongside Wilkinson, further cementing the 2003 squad’s place in rugby folklore.
Wilkinson’s expertise remains highly sought after, particularly during high-stakes tournaments like the Guinness Six Nations. His recent commentary during the 2026 edition of the championship showcased both his analytical acumen and his willingness to engage in thoughtful debate. Following England’s 31-20 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield—a match that turned on a dramatic moment midway through the second half—Wilkinson offered his perspective on a pivotal play involving England fly-half George Ford.
With England trailing 24-13 and down a man, Ford attempted a drop goal in the 53rd minute, only to see it charged down by Scotland’s Matt Fagerson. The ball bounced kindly for Huw Jones, who sprinted 50 metres to score a try, swinging momentum decisively in Scotland’s favor. Reflecting on the incident for ITV, Wilkinson, who holds the record for most drop goals in Test rugby with 36, said, “Do you know what? I can’t challenge that. If that goes over, we’re talking great game management. We’ve all had them charged down. You have them charged down, you panic, you recover it. Sometimes it’s where the charge down bounces, right into the path of the runner, sits up into his hands, and that’s how it happens.”
Wilkinson did, however, suggest Ford might have benefited from standing a little deeper before attempting the kick. “In terms of time, George can look at that, he might want to go a bit deeper. In terms of the decision, sometimes it turns out that way. But it’s a swing there, a potential three points or seven the other way. Scotland just looked like they kept coming stronger and stronger from that moment on.”
Not everyone on the punditry panel agreed with Wilkinson’s assessment. Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar, himself no stranger to high-pressure situations, offered a different perspective. “I actually slightly disagree. I actually think that England had enough momentum 10 metres out from the line to keep playing it. And if they buy a penalty, then maybe that’s different—take the three points. I actually thought there was enough in that England attack to keep going, keep going. As it turns out, hindsight is a wonderful thing. I just think there were two, three, four phases to buy a penalty and twist their arm and be a bit more adventurous.”
The exchange between Wilkinson and Biggar highlighted the fine margins and split-second decision-making that define elite rugby. It also underscored Wilkinson’s reputation for fair-minded analysis—never quick to criticize, always ready to consider the nuances of the game. His continued presence on ITV’s coverage ensures that viewers benefit from a perspective rooted in both experience and empathy.
As the 2026 Six Nations rolls on, Wilkinson’s voice remains one of rugby’s most authoritative and respected. Off the field, his journey from rugby icon to family man and broadcaster reflects the resilience and adaptability that have always been his hallmarks. Whether breaking down the tactical intricacies of a match or sharing personal reflections on life after rugby, Wilkinson continues to inspire a new generation of fans and players alike.
With the Six Nations drama far from over, all eyes remain on the evolving fortunes of England and their rivals. But one thing’s for sure: Jonny Wilkinson’s legacy—both as a player and as a pundit—shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
