Rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson’s split, fatherhood anxieties and hidden wedding drama

Jonny Wilkinson, a figure known for his quiet demeanor off the field, has long been a towering presence in rugby history. His 17-year career was marked by remarkable achievements, including winning the English Premiership with Newcastle Falcons and securing two Heineken Cups with Toulon.
The pinnacle of Wilkinson’s career came in 2003 when his iconic drop goal in the final moments clinched the Rugby World Cup for England, sealing a 20-17 victory over Australia. That same year, he also helped England capture the Six Nations title, setting the stage for their World Cup success.
Wilkinson retired from professional rugby in 2014 after a successful five-year stint in France with Toulon. Since then, he has transitioned into punditry and family life, welcoming his first child, James, with his wife Shelly Jenkins in 2018.
Before marrying Shelly, Wilkinson was in a three-year relationship with Sky Sports presenter Diana Stewart, which ended amicably in 2005 due to their diverging life paths. Stewart reflected on their split, saying, “We are not in a relationship at the moment, but we are still very close… Jonny and I speak every day, but the two of us have a lot of things going on in our lives.”
Sources close to the couple noted that Wilkinson’s injury struggles and Stewart’s rising career contributed to their decision to part ways without any acrimony. “There was no big bust-up or anything like that, and there was definitely no one else involved,” a source told the Standard, emphasizing their continued friendship despite drifting apart.
Throughout his career, Wilkinson was candid about the intense pressure he placed on himself and his battles with stress and perfectionism. His relentless practice routine, including dedicating up to four hours a day solely to goal-kicking, reflected his drive for excellence but also led to self-harming behaviors when mistakes were made.
Wilkinson revealed that his perfectionist mindset once led him to bite his hand until it bled after a fumbled pass and to stamp on his left foot following an inaccurate kick. He has since expressed hope that his son would not inherit the same mental pressures, stating, “I would hope to high heaven that if I had a boy, he would not get, or have, the same mindset I had. A lot of the pressure of my career I put on myself. It was hell a lot of the time.”
Wilkinson met Shelly Jenkins in 2005 while she was working as a cocktail waitress in Majorca, and after eight years together, they married in a highly private ceremony in October 2013. The wedding took place at Bandol Town Hall near the French coast, attended by only two guests—Wilkinson’s mother and Jenkins’ twin sister, Tracey—reflecting the couple’s preference for privacy.
Over his international career, Wilkinson earned 91 caps for England and scored a record-breaking 1,246 points, including the highest points tally in Rugby World Cup history with 277 points. He remains the only player to have scored points in two Rugby World Cup finals and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.
His influence extended beyond England, as he also represented the British and Irish Lions on two tours, in 2001 and 2005, earning six caps and further cementing his legacy as one of rugby’s all-time greats. England won 67 of the 91 matches in which he played, underscoring his impact on the team’s success.
Wilkinson’s club career was equally distinguished, beginning with Newcastle Falcons where he won the Premiership title early on, and culminating with Toulon, where he helped secure two European Cups and a French Top 14 championship before retiring. His final season was marked by leading Toulon to victories in both the 2014 Heineken Cup Final and the French Top 14 Final, with fans paying tribute by singing “God Save the Queen.”
Honored with multiple awards including the IRB Player of the Year in 2003 and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015, Wilkinson’s career is a testament to his dedication and skill. His legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike, not only for his achievements but also for his openness about the mental challenges faced by elite athletes.