- Rob Andrew discusses Jonny Wilkinson’s career and legacy with RFU.com
- "Jonny, above everything, embodied our core values" – Andrew
Rob Andrew is well placed to discuss Jonny Wilkinson as a player and a person after mentoring his early career at Newcastle Falcons and watching on as the fly half swept all before him on the international stage.
Wilkinson retired from England duty on Monday after a glittering international career, with his list of accolades topped by 1,246 Test points and the winning score in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.
In an in-depth interview with RFU.com, Andrew gives an insight into Wilkinson’s early days at Newcastle; his bravery and outstanding skills set; his starring role in the triumphant 2003 RWC campaign; and his mental strength to take control in team situations.
And summing up, Andrew said among Wilkinson’s huge achievements, his unstinting adherence to rugby’s core values under the game’s brightest spotlight is a crucial part of his legacy.
He said: "The game has a challenge at the moment around making sure that we go back to our core values and we really understand what they mean for our sport, and Jonny, above everything, embodied our core values.
"For Jonny the most important thing was being part of the team and that’s really what rugby is all about."
