Rugby salutes Wilko

The rugby world has been paying tribute to Jonny Wilkinson after the World Cup-winning fly-half announced his retirement from international rugby.

Jonnny Wilkinson has called time on his glittering international career. Here's how his former colleagues greeted the news... Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward - who gave Wilkinson the first of his 91 England caps in 1998 and was in charge when the number ten landed the extra-time drop-goal that won the 2003 World Cup final - said: "He was a marvellous team man. "He set out to be the number one player in the world in his position but behind that his team ethic was fantastic and he was a real role model for that. "I admired how he went about his business and how much work he did when no-one was around," former England centre Woodward added. "He did a lot on his own, studied and learned the game. It's a lesson to any young person about what has to happen. He took his game to a whole new level." Here is what others had to say about Wilkinson: Former England captain Lewis Moody: "I'm humbled to have played alongside Jonny. "I'm saddened but his contribution over the years, his work ethic, professionalism and commitment, has been immense. "He put everything into what he did. It was incredible to watch him train and perform. The fact he missed four years of international rugby but still amassed 97 caps is unimaginable. "It's a real shame he's decided to retire but what he's given to the sport, and a generation, is immense. "If he puts his mind to it he could keep doing it - and I think he could have given more. "But for him the decision is right and considering the amount of work he's put in and the number of injuries he's had in his career, he deserves to enjoy a long and restful retirement." Rugby Players' Association chief executive Damian Hopley: "Jonny redefined the standards for rugby players in his extraordinary international playing career.

Dedication

"His capacity for hard work, continual improvement and dedication has left a lasting legacy by which future players will be judged." England wing Ugo Monye: "I went to school with Johnny. The way he trained then as a 16-year-old is just how he trains now," Monye said. Former England scrum-half Kyran Bracken: "I believe he has many years left if he wanted to. "I imagine the new regime might want to do without him for a while...but I think he has three or four years ahead of him, enjoying himself in France. "I wouldn't be surprised if, come the next World Cup, a phone call comes in for him. I wouldn't be surprised if Jonny Wilkinson put on an England shirt again." Interim England head coach Stuart Lancaster: "Jonny has had a fantastic international career which has spanned four World Cups and 91 caps and ranks as one of England's greatest ever players. "He will, of course, be remembered for that drop-goal but he is more than that, a model sportsman - down to earth and hardworking, who has never stopped trying to be the best that he can. "Everyone who has played with, coached and watched Jonny play should feel privileged to have had an involvement with him. Not only has he been a world-class player but he has inspired thousands to play and watch the game of rugby. "He will continue to do great things with Toulon and I would like to go and see him in France to learn from his vast knowledge and experience of 13 years at the very top of the international game." Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal: "It's good news for Toulon in as much as he wears the captain's armband."