Jonny Wilkinson\u2019s legendary rugby career may be long behind him, but the England icon is still scoring big off the pitch. <\/p>\n
Following a reported ITV pay rise for his punditry role \u2014 and with the broadcaster securing long-term England rights \u2014 attention has once again turned to just how much the World Cup hero is worth today.<\/p>\n
After a glittering playing career that spanned nearly 17 years, Wilkinson firmly cemented his place as one of rugby\u2019s all-time greats. From World Cup glory to domestic and European success, the trophies and accolades piled up \u2014 and so did the earnings. Today, his net worth is estimated to be around\u00a0\u00a322 million.<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n How Jonny Wilkinson Built His Fortune<\/p>\n While Wilkinson earned significant sums during his playing days with England, Newcastle Falcons and Toulon, his wealth doesn\u2019t stem solely from rugby contracts. Carefully planned investments, business ventures and media work have all played a key role in growing his fortune since retirement.<\/p>\n Inducted into the\u00a0World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016, the Surrey-born star has always kept a relatively low public profile. Unlike many former athletes, Wilkinson is known for his modest lifestyle and thoughtful approach to life after sport \u2014 traits that have translated well into his financial decisions.<\/p>\n ITV Role Boosts Earnings After England Rights Renewal<\/p>\n Wilkinson\u2019s media career continues to flourish, with his latest ITV deal further enhancing his earnings. It has been confirmed that he will serve as\u00a0ITV\u2019s main pundit for all five England matches, a role that reportedly earns him\u00a0over \u00a3250,000.<\/p>\n The deal comes at a significant time for the broadcaster, with\u00a0ITV confirming a broadcast renewal in 2025 that secures the rights to all England games. The long-term agreement further strengthens Wilkinson\u2019s position as one of the channel\u2019s leading rugby voices.<\/p>\n ITV\u2019s coverage will be led by presenter\u00a0Mark Pougatch, with Irish rugby legend\u00a0Brian O\u2019Driscoll\u00a0the only other confirmed pundit so far. While the exact details of Wilkinson\u2019s contract remain private, the reported figures underline his continued value to the network.<\/p>\n Jonny Wilkinson Named His Greatest Rugby 15 of All Time<\/p>\n Picture this: Jonah Lomu bulldozing down the wing, Jason Robinson dancing through defenders, and Brian O\u2019Driscoll orchestrating magic at the breakdown\u2014all on the same pitch.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sounds unreal, right? Well, England legend Jonny Wilkinson has made that fantasy tangible, revealing his all-time dream team filled with the rugby giants he\u2019s faced\u2014and even played alongside.<\/p>\n Wilkinson, a true rugby icon, forever etched his name in history with that unforgettable drop goal in extra time, clinching England\u2019s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph over Australia.<\/p>\n That legendary moment alone inspired a generation of players, but Wilkinson\u2019s career is filled with accolades, including world records for most drop goals in international rugby (36).<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s dive into Wilkinson\u2019s dream team!<\/p>\n Front-Row Powerhouses<\/p>\n 1. Jason Leonard (England) 2. Keith Wood (Ireland) 3. Craig Dowd (New Zealand) Towering Second-Row Leaders<\/p>\n 4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa) 5. Martin Johnson (England) Back-Row Brilliance<\/p>\n 6. Richard Hill (England) 7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) 8. Pat Lam (Samoa) CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
The most capped England forward of all time, Leonard was \u201csomeone who inspired and brought energy to the game,\u201d says Wilkinson. A true workhorse, Leonard could turn the tide in scrums with his sheer presence.<\/p>\n
Known for his relentless aggression, Wood was \u201csomeone that never stops and never gives up,\u201d Wilkinson adds. This hooker wasn\u2019t just about set pieces; he brought incredible dynamism to the forward pack.<\/p>\n
A silent assassin in the tighthead position, Dowd was \u201csomeone you just don\u2019t mess with,\u201d says Wilkinson. A powerful figure who anchored the scrum with rock-solid performances.<\/p>\n
Wilkinson admired Botha\u2019s fierce nature, saying, \u201cAt times, he\u2019s exactly what a team needs\u2014fearless and down to earth.\u201d Botha brought pure intimidation to the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s my captain,\u201d Wilkinson declares. Johnson\u2019s leadership was unmatched, and his ability to read the game set him apart as one of the greatest second-rowers to ever play.<\/p>\n
The unsung hero of England\u2019s World Cup triumph, Hill was a constant presence in the back row. \u201cHe stood the test of time and remained at the top for so long,\u201d Wilkinson reflects.<\/p>\n
Arguably the greatest openside flanker ever, McCaw was \u201ca guy that could always perform at the highest level,\u201d says Wilkinson. His consistency was legendary.<\/p>\n
Known for his creativity and leadership, Lam brought his own brand of flair to the game. Wilkinson admired Lam\u2019s instinctive play, saying, \u201cHe was one of the most creative and instinctive players.\u201d<\/p>\n