For Wilkinson, 37 today, it was the crowning moment of a stellar career. He earned 91 caps for the Red Rose and is his nation’s leading all-time points scorer with 1,179.
He was the leading international Test scorer before being overtaken by New Zealand’s Dan Carter.
He holds the record for most points at World Cups (277) and is the only player to score points in two finals, while also winning four Six Nations with England.
Wilkinson played six caps for the British & Irish Lions. In club rugby, Wilkinson played 12 seasons for Newcastle Falcons before finishing his career with Toulon in France, where he won two European Cups.
He’s been awarded MBE, OBE and CBE.
Other sports legends born on this day:
1978: Brian Urlacher, former American football linebacker played all 13 of his NFL season for the Chicago Bears (38).
1984: Kyle Brodziak, Canadian ice hockey player who plays at centre for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL (32).
1986: Geraint Thomas (below), Welsh road and track cyclist who rides for Team Sky. Two-time Olympic gold medalist (30).
1988: Cameron van der Burgh, South African Olympic 100m breastroke champion and world record holder (28).
