Jonny Wilkinson's impressive, injury-hit, winning career in pictures

The English out-half is set to head into the rugby sunset in June.

IT WOULD SEEM, courtesy of a loose-lipped colleague of Leigh Halfpenny’s, that Jonny Wilkinson will hang up his kicking boots at the end of the season.

The English out-half has been on the scene since 1997 and earned his first Test cap a year later. At the age of 24, Wilkinson’s penalty kicking and drop goals led his country to a World Cup triumph in Australia. Just under 10 years later and Wilkinson captained Toulon to a Heineken Cup win at Lansdowne Road. In between, he came back from three serious injuries and passed the 1,000 point mark [and beyond] for England. Here are some of his highlights.

1998: Making his England debut against Ireland

Rugby Union - Five Nations Championship - England v Ireland Wilkinson replaced Mike Catt in a 35-17 loss to the Irish. EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

1999: Kicking his first points for England against Scotland

Rugby Union - Five Nations Championship - England v Scotland EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

2001: Starting out-half for the Lions in Australia

Jonny Wilkinson The series was lost 2-1 despite a winning start. INPHO INPHO

2002: Signals England’s intent to be world beaters

England v New Zealand Wilkinson scored 21 points in a 31-28 victory over New Zealand. David Davies David Davies

2003: Bossing the 2003 World Cup

Rugby World Cup Final His drop goal in the last minute of extra time clinched England the webb Ellis trophy. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

2004-2006: Injuries curtail Wilkinson in his prime

A dejected Jonny Wilkinson sits injured on the sideline The out-half needed surgery twice on his shoulder, lasted a Test and a half on the Lions Tour to New Zealand and was also hobbled with 'sportsman's hernia'. INPHO INPHO

2007: World Cup comeback

FRANCE WCUP RUGBY WORLD CUP ENGLAND SAMOA He kicked 51 points for England as they reached another final before falling 15-6 to South Africa. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images