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From The Times

October 22, 2007

It’s widely known that I’m teetotal. Well I did break the habit on this occasion

The morning after the night before: Wilkinson feels the pain of defeat - and two many beers (Marc Aspland)

Jonny Wilkinson

Last week I wrote about the virtual hangover I experienced the morning after a game. This time I can tell you I have been hungover again but for reasons that most people would recognise.

I suspect that it is widely known that I am teetotal. Well, I broke the habit of pretty much a lifetime after the game on Saturday night and had a bit of a blow-out. It was the first time in years and simply seemed the right time and the right thing to do.

A huge bond has been formed in this squad over the past few weeks and I didn’t want to break it. After most games here, people have done different things in different groups, but after the final on Saturday, it seemed right to remain as a group, all as close and tight as we have become. I am proud to have been in this team and in this squad and I wanted to show that.

It also helped to be together like that, to get back to the hotel and then go straight out again. Anything, I felt, rather than stop and ruminate on what had just gone before. There will be plenty of time, I know, when I’ll be feeling the pain of having lost the World Cup final, but our Saturday night was more a case of putting that off. We actually managed to have a lot of fun, but I tell you, I certainly felt rank as a result of it.

In any case, there had already been enough time for the events of the final to sink in. Being involved in the presentation ceremony, I feel, is important. It is important to respect and applaud the winners the way that Australia did for us. But it was a strange experience, standing and watching the South Africans and the presentation of the cup. I almost felt like a spectator, as though I wasn’t there on the pitch at all.

Then came that huge burst of fireworks. I cannot think of a time when my mood was less attuned to the bright colour and celebratory feel of a massive firework display.

Still, it remains the case that we have had an incredible journey just to get this far. My mindset before the final was that if we lost, getting there would mean nothing. But I’ve gone beyond that already. We achieved so much so quickly; that, I hope, will be my abiding thought and not the pain of the final.

Indeed, it was something of an achievement to get some of us there at all. The fact is that my right ankle — the one I turned in our first training session in Versailles all those weeks ago — has been giving me trouble throughout the tournament. I have been having treatment on it pretty much every day and, for the first time, I had to have treatment on it at half-time on Saturday.

Phil Pask, one of our physios, said that the rehab on the ankle here was three or four weeks shorter than he would have liked. Normally we would not have pushed the comeback so quickly, but I was up and running on it after only ten days and was patched up sufficiently to play in the Samoa game. The medics did a wonderful job.

When I get home, I am going to have to reassess the ankle and let it recover properly. Out here in France, I haven’t been able to kick on the right foot at all. I didn’t kick once on it in practice and I didn’t use it once in any of the games except for three dropped goal attempts that all missed.

I had one speculative dropped goal attempt off my right in the Samoa game, another against France in the semi-final that hit the post and the third was the long-range one in the final in which I didn’t have enough power.

The problem with my ankle cannot have helped in trying to find the required power there. Overall it is fair to say that it has limited my options here.

The trouble is that the cumulative effect of those clashes build. And the surface of the Stade de France — which is soft on top and hard underneath — is not what you want with an ankle like mine.

So it is back home for me now, recover properly and get myself into a position where I can start taking my rugby forward again. I need my ankle to clear first, and my head, too.

Hi Jonny
I am 10 and I play for Harrow RFC U11's and I sometimes play fly half. I want to know what way you think is the best to put the ball on the tee,I've tried every way and I like it pointing backwards. What do you think?

Best wishes,
Zak Carr

PETER CARR, MILL HILL, LONDON NW7 1DE

Its seems like an age since the world cup.. i look back on it and smile..
you guys all did the most amazing job, and really exceeded my expectations..
you are back on form at the falcons and i am so proud to have you on 'my' team..
well show them next time around! and i can say with complete faith that you'll be wearing our no10 shirt..
see you soon, il be the mad lass screaming in the crowd at most falcons games!
good luk and keep in good health
love kay
x

kay kettle, Surrey, UK

hey jonny,
just wanted to say you and the boys did really well out there, me and the rest of my street stayed up to watch you till 5 in the morning, we were just as hungover as you!
All the best, Emily
xx

Emily, Perth, Western Australia

Will be great to see you back on the pitch tomorrow against the Wasps. Good luck

Zoe, Newcastle,

hi jonny!,
i am a fan of yours just recently. well just want to drop by and say hello and good luck to your career. i wish you all the best. and i hope i'll get the chance of seeing you personally.bye!

jay ann fuentes, palompon,leyte, philippines

Salut Johnny! :-)
I have to agree with BÃ©a from Bayonne. It's true, Johnny, you played very well in the final and i'm sure that even if your team didn't win, England and your friends from the rugby team are proud of you. You offered us a great show. Remember you at first were not to play because you hurt your ankle badly so i think you got lucky. Best of luck for 2011.
Write again soon.
Kiss.
Virginie , your french admirer

Virginie , Paris , France

Hello Jonny! I hope You don't worry any more about the lost final. England just could'nt win as Jake White said a couple days before the final whistle SA were going to win as that's a sense of destiny. Now after I've learnt of his and his squad struggle against SA rugby board and <transition> idea I believe it was destiny indeed for South Afrika to get the trophy. They fougt for their lives,England just because it"s rugby. As a result they won but lost Jake"s head and I.m afraid their future as well. As about You Jonny, I think You"ve won Your private struggle against bad fate playing in RWC again after those horrible 4 years of injuries(I was thrilled by Your despair then). It"s really a miracle despite Your kicking wasn,t good enough (I"m sorry ..). But I" m sure it will improve though You should perhaps consider Dalaglio point of view <Jonny"s wrong staying with Newscastle>.Please write sth. new I love reading from You it;s like I could talk with You.
Anna R.(Poland)

Anna Rogalska, Bydgoszcz, Poland

Hello Johnny!!
where could i write you to get a signed photo of you??

Virginie , Paris , France

jonny jonny jonny. you're awesome. you and your team did a great job! better luck next time.

Marisa , Jakarta, Indonesia

Even I am French, I loved you have beaten my team... I would not like they have been beaten by anyone else !! And I was deeply hopping for your final victory... anyway you have done a fantastic work and for sure Rugby sport is proud of you. Let's wait for 2011...

I hoppe you enjoy you trip in France ; do not worry about this famous "night after", I think you were allowed to have fun !

Thanks a lot for the happyness you gave to all worldcup fans theses monthes, I hoppe your ankle is going to be quickly fine, and you are going soon to come and play in France. I also hoppe you head is clear now...

Excuse my terrible english and take care of you.

Bea, Bayonne, France

I am so proud of the English rugby team, each and every member. I was also thrilled to see pictures of you and the team celebrating together. You all deserved it! I loved all the excitement of the world cup and now it feels like an empty space! Rest, relax and carry on as we all know you will. I can't wait for the six nations.

Clare, Bristol, England

This article nearly made me cry! I just wanted to run on the pitch and hug you when you got your medal, was an emotional wreck for days. Never doubt yourself Jonny and don't worry about the hang over, it happens to the strongest of us. The whole country is so proud of you and the whole team.
Lise x

Lisa Shepherd, Wimborne, Dorset

AWWW your so cute :D

Congratualtions on getting to the final !!!

you deserved to have a night out

Emma, Horsley, Surrey

well done all of you! I was so proud of you all .I LOVED the way YOU looked Jonny at the end of the match , so dignified, you looked as though you could have cried but you held your head high!
After reading your article re your knee does this you won't be playing for a while? Hope you will be fully fit soon.

michelle steel, stevenage herts, england

Our overpaid, publicity-seeking, talent-less England football team/management should all take a leaf out of the book of our wonderful English rugby team. You are all a credit to us and made us immensely proud, both on and off the pitch.

Ally, West Sussex,

As an Irish Rugby fan and indeed, a Rugby Fan, per say, and even though Ireland did not fair as well as anticipated, nevertheless, I am still a dedicated fan of Irish Rugby.Having been at three of the Games (last one being semi-final between England & France) I have to compliment you J.Wilkinson on your outstanding talent, dedication, and sportsmanship, if not at times, being too unkind to yourself and the "perfection" thing! Sometimes it is wise to step outside "the head" and see yourself as others see you-you more than deserve the accolades! I read a profile of your "injuries" in the Irish Times which quite clearly, you do not make a BIG DEAL about - just get on with the job! However, no harm in taking time out for YOU.Now that the 6 nations is nearly upon us, hopefully, we will see you in Croke Park and although my heart will be with our own a part of me will support the great ambassador of Rugby, which is your good self!
Marie

Marie Switzer-Gunning, Galway, Ireland

hey Jonny

just to say thanks to you all for getting my 5 yr old out of the house and in the park with a rugby ball beleive me its nothing short of a miracle, ive followed the falcons for years and he can't wait to see the team and hopefully yourself in action.
good for you having a good blow out we all need it sometimes :-) You all make your country very proud and should hold your heads high.

Be lucky jonny

Grace, lincolnshire,

You and the guys did the nation proud..I am honored to say that I am an England Rugby supporter and have been for many years.
Yes I had a few tears on Saturday standing in the chilly Stade de France but you all put up such a great fight over the championship- what true determination and grit, it made this world cup into something special. You should all hold your heads up high, a silver medal no less, who would have thought it !
Well done to all of you from the bottom of my heart and bring on the Six Nations- I for one can't wait
Oh and get that ankle well soon xxxx

Nicky, Maidstone, UK

Well done Jonny, the whole team did the nation proud! Despite your hign standards, your performance and contribution was essential and so much more than just your ability to kick, those fantastic tackles and maintaining communication between the forwards and the backs. I look forward to the Six Nations and England continuing to improve and shine as a cohesive team.

The team will always have my faithful support.

Jodie, Bristol, UK

Jonny,

You did a great job! We are all very proud of you and the team, and we are looking forward to seeing you play again soon.

Holly Ellis, Allegan, Michigan/USA

I am an English girl married to a South African. All week I have had to put up with jibes from every corner about how the English were going to be squashed by the Boks. On Saturday night, there were just three white jerseys amidst a sea of green. We were laughed at for even bothering to turn up. The greens, so cock-sure before the match, were strangely silent through much of the game and were more than shocked when an Englishman crossed their try line. Tears were shed at the final whistle (by me) but I couldnâ€™t have been more proud of our team. Our performances throughout the tournament just got better and better and our final three matches showed the true grit of the English. We are all so proud of how far you got, against all the odds. From my husbandâ€™s point of view, the win was vital for the rugby-mad Bokke: a last chance to compete amongst the rugby's best before South African rugby changes irrevocably at the hands of the politicians.

Sarah, Durban, South Africa

Well done, unforgettable tournament because of England and Argentina, and great final. Just one thing made my jaw drop. Are you sure Buddhism helped? I suggest have a look at Deuteronomy Ch 28.

Paul Flynn, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong

Well Jonny, as an Egnlish person living in Australia, I watched the match at 5am, and the hardest thing was not being able to go to bed and get a good nights sleep afterwards. Things always seem better in the morning, unless you have a hangover of course! You and the team did England proud, you are all true heroes. I wasn't disappointed in the result, I was proud that you had got so far. I ached for your disappointment, but move on now, go and recover, and lets see what the next four years can bring. You are loved by many.

Kate, Sydney, Australia

It was a long way, but it's not the end of the road =)
Taking into account that here in Russia rugby is unfortunately hundred times less popular than football, volleyball and basket, we literally live from one World Cup to another.
I want to thank you and the whole team for that wonderful overwhelming happyness which fullfilled me after the games with Tongo, Samoa, Australia, France (I haven't seen all the matches) . When at two o'clock in the morning we were jumping and shouting at the street "We won, we won!".When at the concert during the performance of some sad irish song, I received an sms informing that England beat Australia, I was again jumping and shouting))
thank you all fot that priceless happyness. I'm looking forward for the next World Cup!
I wish you all the best, the soonest recovery for your ankle, and peace and harmony in heart and head.

Margarita, Moscow, Russia

Amazing effort by all concerned. Well done. Defeat is heartbreaking but it'll foster an even greater team spirit. The fact that you got to the final carrying an injury like that is a tribute to your courage. The ankle will be fine, but give it a month at least. We need you for the Six Nations.

Ashley Slater, London,

jonny, i am a gay south african dude and i love you. we all love you and your team and we felt your sadness and disappointment. i wish that there was some way in which it could have been a happy ending for all of you... :))

you guys are heroes, jonny. your rugby skills astound us. yours is a team to be feared and respected. that match was an awesome exercise in attrition, and i will never forget it.

without gloating, i also want you to know how much that win has done for south africa. if only you knew how much this country needs good news. your country is prosperous and well established, but south africa is in the middle of a prolonged and agonizing birth from a barbarous past. i am sorry that our win had to be at the expense of your beloved country -- our ancestral home.

england can never be defeated and we salute you all again and thank you all for a wonderful and bone-wrenching game.

please come to visit south africa soon! british people are always welcome here.

andre, cape town, south africa

G-R-E-A-T performance Jonny! The team didnt win only the British peoples heart but the argentinian respect too. My sincere applause to you and to all the team. Saludos.

Maria Lalor Vernet, Buenos Aires, Argentina

well done Jonny & the England team! I'm a huge fan of you even if I'm all the way from the Pacific nation of FIJI. You made us fans proud with your display of professionalism & die- hard attitude. I look forward to some dazzling rugby with the new talent in the team! It was great to see you play some good rugby after being away for a long time with those injuries. I'm sure there's more good stuff coming from you then what you've shown us. I look forward to that. -Dorene, FIJI ISLANDS

Dorene Naidu, Suva, FIJI ISLANDS

I was at the Stade de France for the semi final and the final last week end. You did what you have to do during all the tournament and it was a really pleasure to see you again playing. By chance I was in the same hotel of you and the team last week end and I saw you come back after the game it was amazing; I would like to talk to you but I remembered at the end of the game when you did pick up the silver medal then the big screen showed your face you looked so devastated that I didnt want to bother you: I did regret it but I am really happy that you had a great time after despite the hangover. It wont change your conviction: I hope I could see you again; not only on the field. take care. a French Fan

Fred, Rodemack, FRANCE

I am South African and would like to thank you for the sportsmanship and your courage in the game. You, as an England player, have shown the integrity and sportsmanship which rugby is all about. Who knows! next time, next Cup. it just might be yours. Well done from coming from nowhere. You did extremely well.You and your team are an asset to to England.

Alan Garrity, Durban, South Africa

England pack know that without you they have less incentive to get the ball....You have become the "posterboy" for all flyhalves...swap Butch for you any day!

bok supporter

g, Nelspruit , RSA

I watched the final from Singapore(3am), rooting all the way for England. Thus, I was so disappointed that England did not win, especially as the team had tried so hard. However, I hope, as Jonny put it, that what each of you will carry with you will be the memory of the 'incredible journey' of these few weeks. After England's initial loss, it was really thrilling to watch England pulling it all together and giving it their heartfelt best! All the best for the future, and I hope England will be able to build upon the lessons learnt from this World Cup. And Jonny, hope your ankle recovers well and I'm sure the guys appreciated your breaking your teetotal habit just this once to continue to bond with them. Thanks for making it a great World Cup.

Lyn Khoo, Singapore

Lyn Khoo, Singapore, Singapore

It's a good thing , Johnny, you decided to share your views and feelings with us on a blog. That way, you don't look like all those inaccessible , mysterious stars on glossy paper. It seems that you're not feeling very proud about the hangover and i'm happy with it. I hope you won't do it anymore!

Virginie , Paris , France

Fanus Dreyer, Scotland, it was your Prime Minister who was to blame, not the England players. So keen was he to ensure a good photo that he almost followed each player off the stage, thus obscuring Mbeki.

To think they would deliberately not shake hands is semi retarded, much like the comments of Jim.

Graeme, Seoul, South Korea

Boys you did fantastically. You beat the Aussies, yet again in the world cup. You beat France on French soil and you came back from an awful defeat in the beginning to try and win against a team who hadn't lost a match. Be proud guys......See you in Feb Jonny at the Gloucester Game...!!!! You guys did brilliantly......and I for one am very proud of your all xx

Janie, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

It is very sad that jonny had to descend to the level of another one-time hero - Andrew Flintoff - in consuming too much alcohol. Why not stick to your principles; have your regular drink and keep close to the teammates that way. There is no excuse for ANYONE becoming exceedingly drunk and should be a criminal offence; after all they are likely to cause death when they are out of their minds with drink, especially the heavyweights among them after losing.

Jim T, Sol, WM

I like rugby and I only wanted to say thank you because itÂ´s a pleasure to watch you playing it no matter if you or not. You have been and inspiration not only as a player but as a person who doesn't give up.
Congratulationts to you and your team!
By the way let me say I am also proud with my team too!!

MarÃa Paula, Rosario, Argentina

I like rugby and I only wanted to say thank you because it is a pleasure to watch you playing it. You have been and inspiration not only as a player but as a person who doesn't give up.
Congratulationts to you and the team!
By the way let me say I am proud with my team too!

MarÃa Paula, Rosario, Argentina

It was Bill Shankley who said " 'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

Even now in my late 30ties I still dream of launching a dropkick to win the world cup. What I would have given,JW to spend a second in your boots on that pitch last Saturday night. You are a lucky lucky man. Talent is nothing with out courage. Your courage is inspirational. With out doubt Jonney, you have achieved much and there is more to come.

Of course when Bill Shankly spoke those words 40 years ago, he didn't believe football was more important than life and death but he did recognise that there's "little point in having a life if you don't care for anything during it. " This is the real meaning - that there should be a passion in people's lives.

Thank you Jonney for sharing your passion with us. Win or lose... we care.

mike, Leeds,

All for nothing? Certainly not. SO proud of the England team!
You're all still my heroes!

Now, get that ankle on ice and let's get ready for a Six Nations Grand Slam!

Lily, London,

You're very special !

zo, Paris, France

Jim, Brussels, Belgium: Perhaps you could try losing gallantly for a change instead of losing badly? If it's any consolation, I do feel embarrassed for you.

Dan, Hampton, UK

Remember that England were the only side in the final to cross the try line with ball in hand!

Roger, Manilva, Spain

I would like to know why Jonny and a few other English players did not shake the hand of Thabo Mbeki on the podium. Contrast that with the way the Springboks greeted Gordon Brown. Were they gutted enough to forget common courtesy, did they not know who he was or did they ignore him on purpose? Whatever the reason, it was shameful behaviour.

Fanus Dreyer, Dumfries, Scotland

I hope you and your team mates know that you are all heroes, win or lose. Can't even imagine how you must be feeling. Keep your heads up, we're all proud, so should you be. :)

Zoe, Doha,

Ooooh Johnny!! :-(I know you're a perfectionnist but you didn't have to take your defeat so badly!! You tried to do your best and that's what really matters . Moreover, you and your team have already been world champions. It didn't happen this year but it can happen again. Have faith!! :-)

Virginie , Paris , France

It is a cliche but Rugby was the winner, the players, and backroom teams of South Africa, England, Argentina, Samoa, Tonga, Georgia and France as the hosts can hold their heads up high, but Ireland, Australia, New Zealand how you let yourselves down.

I look forward to 2011, the Aussies and All Blacks choking in their own backyard.

But World Rugby needs to stop the all blacks taking players from the other countries, and stop the Aussies trying to sign a Georgian / Argentinian front row.

Peter Wilkins, London,

And I had to ask this , Johnny: it's already a big thing you had finally been able to play in spite of your wounded ankle . Great job !! ;-)
Kisses from your french admirer Virginie

Virginie , Paris , France

sorry, i meant "add" not " ask" ! The message got sent more quickly than i wished and the mistake got sent too!! lol :-)
Anyway, please, forgive my english mistakes !

Virginie , Paris , France

Jonny - you're brilliant. We could never ask for more because you give us your all, every time. Looking at the pictures of you after the final whistle was heartbreaking, but you should know that we still love you and we will always have faith in you, no matter how many kicks you miss or how many injuries you get - we're always here.

I watched the final at Farnham RC and there were 800 of the proudest people cheering you (and Pete) on, and it didn't just stop after the final whistle. All of us at LWC are extremely proud too, and you would not believe the honour we all felt when Pete came on in the 2nd half.

I know you have so much more to come, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us. Hang in there and don't listen to the idiots who say the game was a disappointment - the whole tournament was first class thanks to England's courage and brilliance throughout.

Annie, Hampshire,

Well done Johnny and the lads - you did us all proud.

And Jim from Brussels...you don't say who your team is, but I'm guessing it wasn't playing in the final on Saturday, so offload the chip and comment on something about which you at least know a little...oh, and fyi, many people in this country support rugby more than once every four years.

Sally, london,

Disappointed to read comments like Jim's of Brussels - such a shame he can't show any of the gallantry he mocks. I thought it was a superb World Cup, with so many teams playing above their expected levels, England included. To me it shows real strength, passion, mental focus and team play to be able to pull it together when it counts. So many games had breathtaking examples of the beautiful flow and skill of rugby, and even the games that were more prosaic were no less gripping, as each point and each metre of territory were fought for with eye wateringly, jarring physical sacrifice. I am a New Zealander, and whilst I was in tears on the night our team departed, this has been the best world cup - made so by the valiant efforts of teams like Argentina, France, England and Fiji to name but a few. I loved watching the rugby throughout, from players who clearly love and feel honoured to play the game. Thank you to all the teams for making it such a great example of the sport.

Kate, London,

Jonny & team,

the shackles came off against the aussies, the french and the boks, you all reminded england and rugby fans generally why England Rugby is something to be inspired by.

Looking forward to the Six nations!

Regards

CRFC

Richard A, Chineham RFC, UK

just consider that you won the second place in the world which means something!
My sadness is that now it is all over. What will I do? I have to find something else to fill my mind. The same should be for you. It is not simple since you ahave been personally involved and so many expetations were laid on you. It is the game but thanks God that you can live this!

Have a care

Marina, Roma, Italia

G'day JW.
As a team England were just not good enough in the final. Despite the SA team, you were still in the game with 20 mins to go. But without the lineout your options were limited. The SA lineout was 10/10. It was a massive achievement for the squad to get to the final. Whatever was said in the 'clear the air' meeting after the first SA match made the difference. In the following matches the team's will to win was evident. The games against Oz and the French were tense. Both those matches you deserved to win. Congratulations on a silver, it may seem flat right now, but with the benefit of time, you and the team/squad will appreciate their achievements.
Cheers to the lot of yah!
Turps

Richard Steeds, Sydney, NSW

I am a big fan of yours Jonny and whilst I was ecstatic at our team winning - I really felt for you guys losing. Never mind Jonny, I am sure there will be many more possible wins for you guys. Us South Africans do not have that assurance as we do not know what our Government is now going to do in regards to the supposed quota problem we supposedly have. Thanks so much to you and all the English boys for great entertaining rugby and for all the challenges!

Linki, Gauteng, South Africa

Congratulations to all England team members, coaching staff and medics for letting the World know that England was still in with a fighting chance. The England team is a Winner to have got to the final. The press leading up to the Final, implied it was down to you to win. Jonny do not feel so bad it takes a team to win and not one player. You did fantastically well considering your ankle problem. Get well soon, you have lots of admirers the world over. Best wishes to the whole team for a well deserved rest. I am proud to be British.

Carol, Johannesburg, South Africa

Well done Jonny on a heroic performance on Saturday. despite the incredibly high standards we know you hold yourself to, I hope you can take a lot of comfort from how the team grew and improved over the tournament, and we all still support you, especially here in Newcastle, as much as we ever did.
Good luck recovering from the ankle and the hangover - its nice to know that sometimes you deal with disapointment like the rest of us!

Anna, Newcastle, UK

Jonny,

Thank-you so much for such a wonderful tournament. As an England supporter, I have not experienced such euphoria since 2003 and indeed, perhaps more this time as England clawed back from the countless injuries, turbulent changes in coaches and all in the midst of criticism from the media and public about England's form. You have helped to bring the England team back to life and prove everybody wrong - and we know that the team's potential hasn't stopped. Hope to see you in 2011 in New Zealand - closer to my part of the world.

Eleanor, Melbourne, Australia

Massive thanks to Jonny, the team and management for putting the pride and passion back into English Rugby. Looking forward to seeing what England can do in the seven nations (surely now with Argentina?!?). If Ashton's England can do this in 7 weeks then the future is bright for NZ 2011.

Adam Heaton, London, UK

Jonny you and your team may have not won the Webb Ellis trophy but youâ€™ve won something better then that! You guys have won the British peoples heart including other nations too and that is phenomenal in its self! You guys proved yourself that you were a team to be reckoned with and to be feared. Regardless of the style your team plays rugby, it worked, it got us to the final! This nation is immensely proud of the effort, the guts, the courage your team put into the journey in reaching the final. No one predicted you guys would be there, but you were and that is a mark of how well you rank a team! You guys werenâ€™t just playing against 15 springboks, you were also playing against Lady Luck and Dame Destiny and with those two against you no team could ever win. I have to hand it you guys for not allowing Habana to score a try or Fourie du Preez from doing any damage. An 89 year old manâ€™s wish (NM) has been granted and who can argue with that! The Cueto try, was denied but you guys will be back, better and hungrier, and no team will be able to come close! Bring on 2011 â€“ weâ€™ll be ready!!! Lastly, thank you from the bottom of my heart to you and to your team for providing the most amazing few weeks of sporting performance, you have made us proud team England and donâ€™t you ever forget that.

khaleda nizam uddin, london, uk

Jonny, It would be appropriate to mention that you and the England team have been an inspiration to many with the guts and determination you all showed in this tournament.

I guess if anything can be learned, it would be to not dwell on the result but use this as motivation for the future.

Obviously given your work ethic and attitude, you may feel disappointed with the result, but you should also know that just by watching you play and the way in which you handle yourself is a true inspiration to many no matter what the outcome. Obviously for you as someone who sets the bar higher than most this may be of little comfort!

I know you can and will bounce back and remember that whenever you set foot on a rugby field that you have the unwavering support of your country.

Ok, now back to that ankle, lets start with small circles to the left...........!

Wozzer, Perth WA,

We have dual English and French nationality, but always support England when she plays rugby.
We went to Marseille to watch you play Australia and were so proud to be English.
We watched on the TV the England France match and were proud again to be English (as well as French).
And of course the Final in Paris: Again we were PROUD TO BE ENGLISH.
You make us proud Jonny, and we are all proud of you.
Thank you and the lads for a great tournament.

The Goddard Family, Le Rouret, France, EU

Jim from Brussels,
When was the last time Belgium got to a Rugby world cup final?

Ali, London,

well done johnny!!! you were all amazing and being an brit in South Africa was happy to hold my head up high as a england supporter. you all surpassed anything we expected and you deserve a good break!!

Victoria, South Africa, South Africa

Jonny, we are all immensly proud of you and the rest of the team. You fought brilliantly on Saturday and I admire you for it. Even though you lost, you didn't fail. I am English living in South Africa, and everyone is commenting on how well you guys played. You really did us proud. Well done, and I hope your injury gets better.

Vikki Wilkinson, Cape Town, South Africa

Hey Jonny
you did a very good job out there on the pitch.
I'll never forget your kicking during the game against France
and even in the final you were fighting till the last second.
Thank you for a great performance.

Michael, Zurich, Switzerland

Thanks for a great column. After the major hangover is gone, you'll be able to look back and see that maybe losing this game will teach you more than any other win before.
Congratulations on a great worldcup. Hope this ankle injury will clear well. Looking forward to seeing play soon.

Anne, Paris, France

Jonny, I have enormous respect for you both as a person and as a player, but you were injured, out-of-form and way off your best in this RWC. Not your fault, but I worked out you have played less than 20 full games in the four years between Cup Finals, not enough. In my opinion you shouldn't have played.

Do go and get yourself fit and win it back for us in 2011

David, St Albans, UK

Hey Jonny. As a proud Springbok supporer, I'm on cloud nine because we can bring the Cup home but you guys gave us a run for our money. What a fantastic game... Well done!!!! See you in 2011 in New Zeeland!!!!!

Chantelle , Cape Town, South Africa

The English have the "gallant loser" thing down pat. I guess it's all the practice. Your team scored 1 try in 3 play-off games. I would be embarrassed if that was my team, but I guess stylish rugby isn't important to you. Wilkinson's comical 50m drop attempt summed up your gameplan. I can see why you only watch the sport once every 4 years. Rugby was the winner.

Jim, Brussels, Belgium

Saw the pics of the partying - amazing scenes and well deserved, no surprise there's a serious hangover there... Can say on behalf of everyone I know who is into their rugby how much the last few weeks meant after the past four years; so much pride and passion... Plus a huge big up for your Falcons team mate Matt Tait who has taken some rediculous sledging in the press during the tournament but shoved it back down their throats on Sat... immense

Gareth, London,

Fantastic work by all the boys, even though we didn't quite get the result everyone in the bar was so proud we sang swing low even after the final whistle with a few manly tears.

You and all the boys have not only proved the disbelievers wrong but done yourselves and the nation proud! Thanks for a fantastic world cup and see you in the Six Nations and 2011.

Phill Dixon, Stafford, Staffordshire

Well Jonny, it was hard to wait that extra day to watch the game, but worth it. I shed a few tears for you when the whistle blew, but you gave it your best and that's all anyone can ask of you and the boys. This tournament has been a tremendous whirlwind of events. Great to hear you had a fantastic night out with everyone, it was well warranted Jonny.
Hope your ankle heals soon, and you take a well deserved vacation too. I look forward to reading more of your articles on how you're doing.
xo from a Canadian admirer :)

Sally Benson, Grand Forks, BC, Canada

Congratulations! Great game! Proud to be an English Rugby supporter and all the best for what lies ahead both in local English and International matches.

Jan, Sydney,

Jonny, you are loved. you did a good job. you are my role model and you play with your heart same applies to the team.
You guys showed people NEVER SAY DIE.the way England punished France in the semis was great.They looked like tired they could not keep up with the momentum.in the finals you guys went out there and played it all.no doubt about it.It was a close game.No tries.
we are proud of you Jonny and the rest of Dady's Army.

Evans

evans, manila, philippines

Great game - congratulations to the whole team! Even in defeat you were all gracious and great representatives of your sport and gave credit where it was due.

Danni, London,

22 bright red roses and not a single thorn. Congratulations to you all for playing like giants throughout what has been an incredible tournament.

ed, singapore, singapore

Jonny Wilkinson

Jonny Wilkinson plays at fly-half for Newcastle Falcons and England. After making his international debut aged 18, he played a crucial role in helping England to win the World Cup in 2003. Also a British Lion, he provides an exclusive insider’s view on rugby in a regular column for The Times