Question 1

True or false: Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final was kicked with his left foot.

Accepted Answer

False. He kicked it with his right foot. Wilkinson was predominantly right-footed, though he practiced both.

Question 2

True or false: Jonny Wilkinson's pre-kick routine included a specific number of deep breaths to calm his nerves.

Accepted Answer

True. He famously took three deep, slow breaths before every kick, a technique he developed to manage pressure.

Question 3

True or false: Wilkinson retired from international rugby immediately after the 2003 World Cup final.

Accepted Answer

False. He played for England until 2011, including the 2007 World Cup where they reached the final again.

Question 4

True or false: Jonny Wilkinson was a black belt in karate before starting rugby professionally.

Accepted Answer

True. He earned a black belt in Shotokan karate at age 12, which he credits for his discipline and kicking technique.

Question 5

True or false: He was the first rugby player to be knighted by the British monarchy.

Accepted Answer

False. Wilkinson was awarded an OBE, not a knighthood. Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Ian McGeechan are knighted, but not Wilkinson.

Question 6

True or false: He never missed a single kick in the entire 2003 Rugby World Cup tournament.

Accepted Answer

False. Wilkinson missed several kicks, including a penalty and conversion, but his clutch drop goal saved the final.

Question 7

True or false: Wilkinson wrote a children's book about a rugby-playing dragon.

Accepted Answer

True. Titled 'Jonny Wilkinson: The Little Dragon', it was published in 2004 and aimed to inspire young readers.

Question 8

True or false: Jonny Wilkinson once scored a touchdown as a placekicker in American football's NFL Europe.

Accepted Answer

True. In 2000, he kicked a 35-yard field goal for the London Monarchs during a brief stint, scoring the team's only points.

Jonny Wilkinson Trivia Questions