My World

by Jonny Wilkinson

In this fully updated paperback edition of the Sunday Times bestseller, Jonny Wilkinson opens up to reveal what it is like to be the world's most famous rugby player and an international sporting superstar. MY WORLD is a fascinating insight into his motivations, thoughts, hopes and fears as he discusses topics as far ranging as playing for England, his all-time heroes, becoming a celebrity, what it is like to be on the pitch with the hopes of a nation resting on your shoulders and in your feet and the positives that could be taken from the 2005 Lions Tour. For the first time, Jonny Wilkinson talks openly about the England World Cup campaign and the pressure he was under in those dramatic final moments when he won the cup for his country. Two years on he also reveals the battles he has had to face to bring himself back to full fitness as England build their team round him in preparation for the 2007 World Cup.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Sports

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Former rugby union player for England, British & Irish Lions, Newcastle Falcons and Rugby Club Toulonnais.

Reviews

[Gail Debono]

A good read for anybody wanting to learn more about such a private legend. He has remarkable insight into himself and his biography is exceptionally authentic, considering he gives nothing away but that which he wants you to know. Makes for a breath of fresh air after the usual autobiographies that people write to satisfy their ego. And for somebody who has followed his career, the man is frustratingly humble.

[Mdaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read, even if it is a bit out of date now. This book covers the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the two years following that when Jonny was still playing with the Falcons but hadn't worn the England jersey due to various injuries.
Wilkinson comes across in the book as a modest, honest person who takes his professional career as a rugby player seriously, maybe too seriously he admits.
There isn't much background information given about his family or upbringing but this is totally consistent with the privacy he craves. There isn't much inside information about key games or how he viewed his fellow players or opponents either.
The book concentrates on his almost obsessive training regime and the efort he puts in to stay on top of his game.
Suitable for all ages.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting for people who remember the final but a little dry around the edges....

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read, not really deep.

[Andrew Walton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather monotonous in style, padded out in many sections. Did enjoy the game plan part.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking at the Goodreads reviews and ratings for this book I was struck by the high percentage of female reviewers. Do they know their tight head prop from their blind side flanker? Jonny boy is not just a rugby icon, a World Cup winner with England, but a good looking guy too. A rare thing in this game!
'My World' first published in 2004 and revised two years later, seems to be J.W. speaking into Neil Squires' recorder. As a tv pundit during the recent World Cup in 2015, Wilkinson showed that he is a good analyst of the game and spoke with intelligence. I was hoping that this book would be more autobiographical and disclose greater detail of his early career. Perhaps I picked the wrong book and should find his autobiography that was published in 2011.
A good try, but for me, nothing to write home about.

[Richard Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps slightly biased as he is my hero, but I love reading his view on aspects of his life that the media have already scrutinised!

[Vegannic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Jonny is an inspiration.

[Emma Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.
Jonny is a shy guy. (which you wouldn't expect)
This book really gives an insight of his life.