Retiring Wilkinson relies on ‘gut feeling’

Jonny Wilkinson says he has gone with his "gut feeling" in deciding to call time on one of the most celebrated careers in rugby union history.

Wilkinson, 35 next Sunday, will bow out of the game he graced for England, the Lions, Newcastle and latterly Toulon in the French Top 14 final against Castres on May 31.

Before then, he faces a Heineken Cup final appointment with Saracens at the Millennium Stadium as the curtain falls on a remarkable career that saw him win the World Cup during a 91-cap England career, play in six Irish Lions Tests and land domestic and European honours.

“It has just been a gut feeling thing to retire, and the gut feeling is loud and pretty true right now.”

Wilkinson’s decision had been widely expected, but now that he has announced it, the fly-half superstar has admitted to a degree of nervousness.

“There is a huge amount of fear for anybody who is going into an area to which they are not accustomed,” he added.

“Having been playing rugby since the day I left school, and having never had a proper job, I think this leaves me a bit unprepared in terms of what comes next.

However, he says he would consider a future coaching role with England – a possibility that also interests current Red Rose boss Stuart Lancaster.

A tracksuit role beckons for the 34-year-old – most probably at Toulon, where is revered – and bookmakers have issued odds of 10-1 that he one day becomes head coach of England.

“I see so much potential around in so many players. I see so many making such huge sacrifices for their teams and really testing themselves,” Wilkinson said.

“If I can help make a difference – even if it’s only a small percentage – then it all comes around.

“I would love to be able to do that. With England? Of course, that would be amazing.

Wilkinson, whether he likes it or not, will be the centre of attention in Cardiff and Paris over the next two weekends.

“With these two big games, preparation is paramount. It speaks for itself that every second we have together we really need to make the most of,” he added.

“We must make sure that we perform and give ourselves the best chance.