Wilkinson ends England career

The 32-year-old ends his international career having won 91 caps for England, as well as playing six times for the British and Irish Lions.

His finest hour came in 2003, when he kicked the decisive drop goal as England beat host nation Australia to secure victory in the World Cup.

He made his international debut in 1998 and enjoyed a 13-year career, at one time topping the charts as the leading points scorer in Test history.

"I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from international rugby," Wilkinson wrote on his personal website.

"To do so fills me with great sadness, but I know I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team."

All-time list

Wilkinson is currently second on the all-time Test scoring lists with 1,246 points - 1,179 of those for England - placing him just behind New Zealand's Dan Carter.

"I know I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team."
Jonny Wilkinson Quotes of the week

His tally for England is made up of six tries, 162 conversions, 239 penalties and a record 36 drop goals.

His statement continued: "To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other setbacks gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment.

"But by now I know myself well enough to know that I will never truly be satisfied!

"It goes without saying that I would like to wish Stuart Lancaster, his coaches and the England squad every bit of success available to them.

"I would also very much like to extend those wishes to Martin Johnson, Brian Smith, Mike Ford, John Wells, Graham Rowntree and the rest of the England 2011 World Cup management team who have been fantastic and deserve people to know that.

"For me now, I will continue to focus ever harder on my goal of being the very best I can be with Toulon Rugby Club and continue to embrace and enjoy wherever that path takes me."