THE LAST FEW days has seen the adoration between Toulon and the man they call Sir Jonny blossom even further, which nobody thought was possible.
First, there was this Guinness ad where the people of Toulon celebrate Wilko’s achievements like he is some deity, although in the rugby-mad south of France he basically is.
Then this clip was released from an upcoming Toulon dvd. Whatever you think about that first video, seeing Wilkinson weave between French and English while giving a rousing call-to-arms is pretty damn impressive.
Wilkinson is like a French Al Pacino there. On a side note, given the massive trophy haul Wilkinson finished his career with, who would most people consider to have been the better player: Jonny Wilkinson or Brian O’Driscoll?
There can only be one.
Legend of a player – admire him most by the way he reinvented himself in France after his injury problems. English fans and media didn’t fully appreciate him in my view.
Not sure that’s really true. When rest of the world was calling him a drop-kicking automaton, English fans/media knew he was a hard tackler (like BOD), and decent line breaker on the rare occasions the gameplan called for it. He just played to his very obvious strengths. But you’re right he is a legend (like BOD).
Legend of a man!
An absolute hero.
Certainly one of the best to ever play the game. I remember reading an very deep article about him.
Not long after winning the 2003 World Cup he suffered with depression. The reason being that he’d peaked in his sport at such a young age he didn’t think he’d be able to top it. Thought about quitting the game but thankfully for all us Rugby fans he went on to have a memorable career.
Great player, terrible French!
Jaysis you’d run through a brick wall after that
Great hero and ultimate gentleman and professional. Himself and bod will always be considered two of the greats over multiple multiple seasons.
It’s impossible not to love him!
Legend.
Hero, legend, gent… The list is endless! Respect!