Wilkinson to lead England - 橄欖球

Monday, 4 October, 2004, 14:08 GMT 15:08 UK
Wilkinson to lead England


Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been named as England's new rugby union
captain for the three November Tests.

The 25-year-old Newcastle star takes over from Lawrence Dallaglio,
who retired from internationals in August.

England's acting head coach Andy Robinson said: "He is a natural leader,
holds the respect of the squad and is a formidable talent on the pitch.

"And he consistently demonstrates the energy and commitment I feel is
essential to be captain of England."

Robinson added: "There are several players in the squad I would feel
comfortable in calling upon to be England captain but for me Jonny is
in every way the right player to take on this challenge.

"Captaincy offers a challenging environment for any player, especially
following in the footsteps of Lawrence Dallaglio and before him the
World Cup captain, Martin Johnson.

"But I am confident Jonny has what it takes to do an outstanding job
as we look ahead towards the next Rugby World Cup in France and I look
forward to working with him."

Wilkinson, who has scored 817 points in 52 internationals, kicked the
winning drop-goal in the final seconds of extra-time in England's 2003
Rugby World Cup triumph against Australia.

But he then missed the entire 2004 Six Nations campaign while recuperating
from shoulder surgery, before making his comeback for Newcastle in the
Zurich Premiership in August.

"It's the ambition of so many players to one day be captain of England
and today I have realised a dream," he said.

"I'm honoured Andy wants me to be his captain, and to follow Lawrence
and Martin means a lot to me as they are inspirational men who have given
so much to England rugby over many years.

"Getting my first England cap against Ireland six years ago was something
I'll never forget because to play for your country is very special. Taking
on the captaincy is another important step in my career and I do so with
immense pride."

Wilkinson made his international debut in the 1998 Six Nations Championship
against Ireland when he came off the bench to replace Paul Grayson.

He has been a regular in the England starting line-up ever since, played
in all three Lions Tests in 2001 and all but one of England's games in the
2003 World Cup.

He becomes the 117th captain of England since Fred Stokes held the position
in 1871.

England's first autumn Test is against Canada on 13 November, followed by
the visit of Tri-Nations champions South Africa a week later and then a
World Cup re-match with Australia.


WILKINSON PROFILE

Born: 25 May, 1979, Frimley, Surrey
1997: Played for England U-18s and U-21s
1998: Makes England debut against Ireland as a replacement for Paul Grayson
1999: Makes first England start against Scotland, aged 19
2002: Named Zurich International Player of the Year. Awarded an MBE in the
Queen's New Year Honours List
2003: Nov 22 - Wins World Cup for England with extra-time drop-goal;
Dec - Wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year; Receives an OBE
2004: Feb - Undergoes shoulder operation and misses Six Nations;
Oct - Named England captain


--