Lancaster intending to draw on Wilkinson’s expertise after World Cup hero quits England

Wilkinson has called time on an international career that harvested 91 England caps, six British and Irish Lions Test appearances and a total of 1,246 points.

The 32-year-old also played in four World Cups, including the 2003 campaign Down Under when his drop-goal 17 seconds from the end of extra time broke Australian hearts in Sydney and meant England had conquered planet rugby.

Outside of his prodigious points-scoring ability, Wilkinson’s obsessive eye for detail and a relentless work ethic assumed almost legendary status within the sport.

And the former Newcastle No 10, who will continue playing for wealthy French club Toulon, also repeatedly showed a never-say-die attitude during his darkest days.

At one stage of his career post-2003 World Cup, Wilkinson played barely 15 hours’ competitive rugby in 18 months as a succession of injuries – including shoulder trouble, knee ligament damage, a lacerated kidney and a hernia – laid him low.

But he kept bouncing back, underlining his status as arguably the most-celebrated England player in rugby history through numerous match-winning displays.

Current England head coach Stuart Lancaster and former captain Lewis Moody led the tributes to Wilkinson, with Lancaster describing him as an inspiration and Moody saying he had been humbled to play alongside him.

Wilkinson made a lengthy retirement announcement on his official website www.jonnywilkinson.com, and it came less than a month before former Leeds coach Lancaster announces England’s elite player squad for 2012.

“I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from international rugby,” Wilkinson said.

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

“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!

“I never ever believed that I would be able to give up on this dream which has driven me to live, breathe, love and embrace the game of rugby from the earliest days that I can remember.

“I certainly have no intention of letting this decision change the way that I approach my training and preparation for games. In fact, early indication shows me that I’m actually getting more intense about it.

“Playing the game, representing the team, giving my all and never letting go has meant everything to me. I do, have done and always will believe that I am very capable of performing and thriving at any level of the sport.

“The time has come, however, for me to realise that I have gone as far as I can go with this England team and that the time is right for others to enjoy the same honour and pride that I have felt over the past 15 seasons and beyond.”

Lancaster, who was appointed last week as England’s interim head coach for the RBS Six Nations Championship that starts in February, is likely to tap into Wilkinson’s vast rugby knowledge.

“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,” Lancaster said.

Bill Beaumont narrowly failed in his attempt to become chairman of the International Rugby Board.

Frenchman Bernard Lapasset has been re-elected for another term, defeating former England captain Beaumont by 14 votes to 12 an IRB meeting in Los Angeles.