Former England star who was dubbed 'the next Jonny Wilkinson' didn't even like rugby

10/10/2024 02:46 PM

In the world of rugby, there are certain phrases that get thrown around far too easily. One of the most ludicrous? "That player is the next Jonny Wilkinson."

While it's tempting to draw comparisons between up-and-coming stars and the 2003 World Cup hero, it's a tough task to live up to.

Every player must carve out their own identity in the game, and being branded with Wilkinson’s legacy often comes with impossible expectations.

Let's take a look at some of the players who were handed this daunting label.

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Olly Barkley: A Talent Lost in Translation

Olly Barkley, once hailed as the next big thing, earned 23 caps for England between 2001 and 2008. Such was his promise that Sir Clive Woodward handed him his England debut before he'd even played for Bath! A graceful left-footer capable of playing fly-half or inside-centre, Barkley seemed destined to fill the void left by Will Greenwood and a constantly injured Jonny Wilkinson.

So, what went wrong? Despite his solid kicking, slick distribution, and sturdy defence, Barkley never reached the heights many expected. In a post-rugby revelation, he admitted his heart wasn't fully in the sport—he'd always dreamed of playing football. Could that have been the missing spark?

Toby Flood: Forever in the Shadow

Toby Flood's rise had all the ingredients for comparison. Coached by Wilkinson in school, he stepped into the England fold while the legend was sidelined. Flood was even entrusted with Newcastle's number 10 shirt during Wilkinson’s long injury absences. Moving to Leicester in 2008 helped him forge his own path, but the shadow of the great man loomed large.

No matter how solid his performances, the comparisons never faded. In many ways, Flood's career is a reminder of how hard it is to escape the legacy of a player like Wilkinson.

Danny Cipriani: The Maverick Who Never Quite Settled

In 2007, there was no doubt in anyone's mind: Danny Cipriani was the next Jonny Wilkinson. Blessed with a big left boot, flair, and game-management skills, it wasn't a question of if, but when Cipriani would take over the mantle.

But Cipriani's off-field issues became a recurring theme, disrupting his once-promising career. Despite flashes of brilliance—most recently with Bath—he never fulfilled the prophecy, leaving fans wondering what might have been.

Marcus Smith: A Young Star in Waiting

When a teenage Marcus Smith burst onto the Harlequins scene, the inevitable comparisons began. With his dazzling footwork and playmaking ability, the whispers of "the next Wilkinson" were hard to avoid.

But England coach Eddie Jones was quick to downplay the hype: "If you read the newspapers, he's the next Jonny Wilkinson… But he hasn't done anything yet," Jones quipped. A reminder that the weight of expectation can be crushing, even for the brightest talents.

Owen Farrell: Wilkinson's Protégé

If any player has come close to embodying Wilkinson's skill set, it's Owen Farrell. Having worked closely with Wilkinson as part of the England setup, Farrell's intense work ethic, ice-cold placekicking, and 'win at all costs' attitude have drawn frequent comparisons to the World Cup winner.

Sir Clive Woodward, coach of that iconic 2003 team, has gone so far as to name Farrell in the same breath as Wilkinson. It's easy to see why—two incredible players who share a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Jonny Wilkinson named only four England teammates in his all-time dream team

Could you imagine having Jonah Lomu, Jason Robinson and Brian O’Driscoll all in the same team?`

Well that’s what England legend Jonny Wilkinson has done in naming his all-time dream team. 

FRONT-ROW

1. Jason Leonard (England): He was seen by Wilkinson as "someone who inspired and brought energy to the game" with impact.

2. Keith Wood (Ireland): "You need someone here in this position who can bring you the set piece control but at the same time I think they need to be aggressive, be someone that runs hard, someone that doesn't stop, never gives up."

3. Craig Dowd (New Zealand): "As with all tight heads what you want is someone who doesn't take no for an answer, someone who is maybe a little quieter but someone you just don't mess with"

SECOND-ROW

4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa): “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth" and "at times he's exactly what a team needs."

5. Martin Johnson (England): "intelligent, another massive leader, gets himself around the park. My captain”

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