I was very upset, when I heard Jonny won't be a start member this Saturday(today!) Because I love Jonny and to see him playing Rugby so much. I thought Brian Ashton's decision is very cruel and I felt so sorry for Jonny. Then I heard the reason. Brian Ashton blamed Jonny's kicking tactics at the game and did this only to Jonny. I think this is a great chance for Jonny. Brian Ashton wants Jonny to improve more. He expected Jonny to have the skill which can change/manage the whole game. Brian's expectation to Jonny is so high. And if Jonny can(and I'm sure he will do!) reply for it, it will be a marvelous thing. We will be able to see Jonny as "England Captain"!! I'd love very much to see Jonny to rule and control England games totally. Still more to go higher, Jonny, a bit tough at the moment, I am afraid. But please remember, I and your fans are believing in you and always supporting you wherever you go, whatever you do, if it helps. Best luck & best wishes.

Chikako Murphy, Swidon,

To Be Honest I Dont Think Last Weekend Is The Last We've See Of You, You Have So Much Talent And Still Have So Much To Give To The English Game Of Rugby. Although I Give My Best Wishes To Danny For This Weekends Match =]

Having Watched You From The 2003 World Cup, I Hope I Get To See More Of You. I'v Learnt So Much And Have Tried To Bring It Into My Game Of Rugby.

Best Wishes

Anne, Bedfordshire,

Johnny
It is my belief that great players are born but set backs make them stronger . I have not doubt that you will come back into the team and with more determination than ever.

I have to be critical of Brian Ashton here, it is my belief that for teams to be consistant they have to believe 100% in the coaching team around them. This has not been the case for a while , hence Catt's comments after the World cup.

Either way no one can deny the genius that you have brought to England and Rugby in general over the years and your fight back to fitness has been Herculean !

To become the highest points scorer is an achievement that petty politics and scapegoating can't take away from you.

So from one fan - thanks for your efforts over the years and long may it continue

Helen Ellis, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Jonny, I know you will take this and make something possitive from it. I think you will find that like me, most rugby fans will be totally baffled by what Brian Ashton has done. Surely, he should keep his best points scorer ever should'nt he?

I'm not surprised that your concerns are for those who have lost their jobs at Newcastle Falcons this week rather than yourself. That's what makes you the man you are and I'm so proud to be one of your supporters.

Christine Millward, Leicestershire, England

In this age of faithlessness and seeing kids getting disillusioned so young I feel we as a nation can learn alot from your spirit and humility.
As a fairly recent rugby convert it really is inspiring watching you and the rest of the team playing and winning against the odds.
Please keep up your hard work and don't let anyone change your heart, your parents must be immensly proud as I would be if you were my son.
Best of luck for the future whatever it may hold
Blessed be.

Esta Tummons, Hull, England

Jonny, you're a great role model for English rugby and sports. So keep it up. England did not have a good game against Scotland (and it was more about the way England played rather than the result, conditions notwithstanding), and that is everyone's responsibility. But I'm sure you will address it against Ireland.
At the end of the day, rugby is a team sport, and things are just not clicking at the moment. Keep your head up, rediscover your enthusiasm, take the pressure off and enjoy your rugby. Your time will come again

Mike Reilly, Berlin,

You are undeniably a very genuine person.

I admire you, not only as a great rugby player, but also and mainly, as a person. I like your frame of mind and the way you look at things, and I am pleased to know that you have other priorities in your life than to score points. In fact, life is made of highs and ups and feeling sorry for yourself won't help you to get on.

You are young, clever, healthy, and rugby did not smash you up too much :-) , so what on earth is not to to start a rugby game at the weekend ?

Anyway, whatever medias and press say about you and your performance, or even about Sir Ashton's decision, it does not change the admiration that People have for you, and just for that, you deserve respect.

Thank you for sharing your personal point of view and for allowing us to understand you better.

Tatiana LM, Taradeau, FRANCE

Jonny, you are one of the greatest players to ever pull an England jersey over your head. Years of unfortunate injury couldnt erase that, nor the strength of your comeback. Nor will it this time.

You epitomise all that is is to be a sportsman in the truest sense of the word-natural ability, skill, determination, a sense of fearlessness, determination, mental toughess and you are a phenomenal leader. The 15 men on that pitch at any one time respond to your presence and that will be sorely missed at the weekend, just as it has the past.

Your attitude is one of cohesion within the team, one goal, one aim and your humility is astounding, your ethics are phenomenal and rare, and will eternally be remebered and upheld. Congratulations. The country will be happy to say welcome back at some point and will be thankful for you contsant contribution.

Amie Kershaw, Middlesbrough,

Jonny darling, nobody could ever think that you'll not handle with it, as courage is the main quality of your character and baring pain and suffery is your speciality.
And you are absolutely right , being not selected is not the worst thing in the world and even not in the rugby world. You are though healthy and fit and you can do training and play your rugby. A half and year ago you were praying for that and even not dreaming aloud for playing for England.
I guess you don't want any advice as you like doing everything in your own way. As a matter of fact I need more help than you perhaps. But sometimes it is worthy listening to the outside point of view.
I wish you the best.
And don't stop writing here after the crazy 6 Nations cup. I love reading it nad writing here is not only an exercise in my English , but also a kind of exercise in my mind. It's like a conversation with you the only available for me now. I do appreciate this.

Anna Rogalska, Bydgoszcz, Poland

It seems that every single beautiful and flattering word has already be said about you but, please, let me say one more thing you - I hope- should be proud of.
Actually it's not a good moment for me and my family but reading of your attitude to face problems, chalenges and -in my opinion- injustices has been extremely useful. You are someone from whom everybody can learn something essential, "do your best, keep your head up, don't complain".
I hope to be there when you'll show again (on the pitch) to the world who you are, beacause I know that you will never surrender. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to be such a good exemple.
Enjoy your life.

Amelia, Rome, Italy

Jonny, So long and thanks for all the goals!

More seriously, you need to take it easy for a bit and focus on getting more speed. Instead of going on the summer tour give Margot Wells a call (Paul Sackey has her number), and get some coaching from her.

When your playing every week, you can just about focus on body building but the hamstrings don't get the right stretching they need. That limits your sprint speed and limits your kicking power. I played my best rugby when I was also doing Karate 3 nights a week, just because of the stretching.

As for being dropped: Yes you deserved it, but not as much as some others. Hope to see you back fitter and faster next season.

Alex, Tunbridge Wells,

You are an extremely good kicker of the ball and in the years past [and now]that has been the English strategy.Thick necks,pushing pulling,rolling,mauling,get a penalty..you normally kick it.But to many of us that is not rugby..Rugby is about running,handling,pace,passing,drawing,beating..not "phases"[i dont know what to do so i will go to ground?]and kicking!!.
Try scoring should always take precedence in rugby..isnt that what the game was about.?.yet most games are won on kicks..tries are "ignored".Drop kicks should warrant 1 point.".penalties" unless foul play..not technical offences ..should be kicks to touch..and the penalty should only be two points..just imagine a game decided upon tries? scored..running rugby..2gordon benett".I still think France looked to be the better rugby players..but of course the big boot decides matters nowadays.

david, Barnsley, ENGLAND

Hi Jonny. Well like everyone you have your ups and downs its all part of life, and its how we deal with it that builds character in ourselves. If everything went smoothly then would life be so interesting? You are a great player and have proved that time and time again, this is just another set back which you can build on and bounch back. You are still young and have plenty of good days to come. Just carry on working hard like you always have and we will see you in the number 10 shirt where you belong in no time.

Keep your chin up

Chris, UK

chris marshall, ringwood, hampshire

Jonathan,

You have the grounds for being a great many things, so keep your head held high. I am sure there are reasons for whatever happened. Im sure that the papers and press have had a strong influence on many people that are not strong enough to think for theirselves and feel the need to pick on you because some people just can not stand to see someone greater than they and just be happy for them, for example, Stuart Barnes. He might have been a great player in his time, but he also had the team to back him up, as you and I both know, one player does not win a game, and he was never even close to being ranked in your classy league other than the one in his own mind. Knowing what I do, I know I will see you the next time, stronger and better than ever. Best wishes to you.

Holly, Allegan, USA/Michigan

Well, you're very good indeed, one of the best fly half ever. But As we say, kicking is not playing. An no one is irreplacable either. I would find a bit sad if coaches were not trying other players from time to time. How could rugby players be motivated at selection tests if they know they don't stand a chance to play for their country? England doesn't have anything to loose Saturday, maybe more "fresh blood" could have been brought in... I hope England produces this w-e at Twickenham some nice game just like in Paris three weeks ago. That was rugby!

Alice, Sale, UK

Hey Jonny! You'll be back in the starting line up long after Mr. Ashton is dropped. Dropping new and nobody else makes as much sense as would dropping Ronaldo after Utd's cup loss to Pompey. The difference being that unlike Ashton, Sir Alex always defends his stars. You're the best!

FRANK E. KAHN, Raanana, Israel

I agree with you that there are more important thingsin the world anyway i cannot see the reason of this decision since you are the one who made well in the recent games and it cannot be said for all.
I have been in Flaminio stadiumm when you played against Italy and, although I immensely admire you, I hoped in your failing but unsuccessful!
My admiration for you is as a player because I don't know you personally and the reason is that you always play with enthusiasm and cold blood which at you age is very rare.
Probably at this step England has nothing to lose but I would not have been proud, if I were English, to let Irish win without a proper fight.

take care

Marina, Roma, Italy

I agree with large parts of most of the previous comments and admire you greatly. However, regardless of how great or poorly an individual performs it is sometimes in the best interest of a team in the long term to shake things up and have a breath of fresh air in terms of personnel and direction. This should not reflect on the individual or their potential going forward.
All the best Jonny

Chris, Sale, England

Jonny - I think you sum it up when you say that there "have not been options". Without name dropping there have been players on the England Squad that have performed what I would consider dreadfully week after week and have not been dropped. I say that objectively as I am not English! What matters most Jonny is how you see yourself. Yet again I admire your positive outlook. You are a true role model.

Leslie, London,

Jonny,
most people seem to hold the same opinion that it was not your fault. You were playing behind a pack that couldnt dominate and the tactics didnt come off in the terrible weather.
I cant understand the thinking behind balshaw retaining his place for the irish game. Do you think you will play at fullback. It seems a great idea to play you at fullback, would suit your game>? Positional and defensively?
Also what are your thoughts on having a huge clear out as per france and rotating the side?

Also the rumours are out and Mr White is bound to be sniffing the england job out now.

matthew, Jersey,

I can understand why you are dropped. But what i cannot get my head round is why are you the only person....unless i was watching a different team last saturday..slightly unfair to you but well done for taking this on the chin!

Joe, Hong Kong,

I find it very diffuclut to comprehend why the greatest fly half in the world has not been selected.I cannot imagine the amount of pressure that is placed upon a single person to perform at consistently high levels time and time again, it must be mental torture constantly trying to avoid "failure".I hope that Jonny continues to train in the mind that he has a massive influence on many peoples lives, I know he is an inspiration to me; and not just in a sporting capacity.

Simon M, Cambridge,

Hey Jonny

This is a temporary setback. You will bounce back once again as you did after all your injury setbacks. Stay postive and continue to enjoy playing such a great sport

You are a true gent and a fanactic role model.

Looking forward to seeing you play at Quins in a few weeks.

Tracy Dalby, Hockley, Essex

" I don’t need a disappointing experience to make me analyse my performance. I have spent the past ten years of my life perpetually asking: what do I need to do to get better?"

Therein lays the answer. Parylisis through analysis. Sometimes you need confidnece and flair, it isn't painting by numbers.

You are a great; relax, enjoy and go for it.

Good Luck Jonnie

Tom, Huddersfield,

You're a rugby hero and I absolutely cannot believe that you have been made the scapegoat for the England loss when the whole team played badly! It's sad when people feel the need to blame an individual for the poor performance of a team, were there no other players on the pitch on Saturday?! The blame game is a very sad game indeed.

Samantha Gummer, Bradford, England

Key point here is that the team did not play well. Jonny didn't have any sort of platform to play anything like he should or could have. That said the kicks didn't find their marks and so it was a tuff day for all.

Hard day at the office but it happens.

Steve Meakin, Wivenhoe,

I too am disappointed you have been dropped and do feel you, as the biggest name, have been made a scapegoat. There were far worse players on that pitch on Saturday. I am confident you will continue to do your best and will back up there at the top of your game very soon. Dont let them get you down - you will always be the best - player and man!

Louise, Sheffield,

Jonny, my admiration for you is only strengthened. You are the very model of a sportsman and there is nobody that compares to the example you set for rugby fans everywhere. As a fan I am disgusted that you have been dropped from the game and I struggle to understand the logic.

Allison, Colchester,

Jonny,
you're such an impressive individual!
you should be proud of yourself.
no sportsmen is as great as you!

M, Jakarta, Indonesia

Well done for taking it on the chin, the world can be a fickle place. With such a positive attitude and your commitment and loyalty to your team we know you'll be back!

Pip, Paris, France

Jonny

I once wrote on this website that you whined about your injuries. I take that back. I have tremendous respect for you. Your'e an example to all people, especially the young kids of this country who are in dire need of a sporting role model. Looking forward to watching your next game.

Justin Wiehe, London,

Spoken like a true gentleman who represents both his sport and his country well and is a great example to the next generation coming through.

Jan, London,

Well done Jonny for taking this on the chin. It is a temporary setback and you will rebound very quickly. You possess class and great ability and a strong sense of reality - a powerful and rare combination of traits.

Tony Fisher, Beijing, China

what else?
What is left form this piece of news and your answer is that sir Jonny Wilkinson is a great man and in perspective a great coach.
I really admire such clearness of views and ability to read the situation to turn bad things into positive ones.
There are more important things going in in the world, you're right, but if more people had this attitude towards other people's judgment and towards what happens in life ... something'd change, I'm sure.

Chiara, Milan, Italy