Is Jonny Wilkinson still married after split from Sky Sports presenter?
Rugby NewsSunday, 19 October 2025 at 07:54
“I tried to tackle him at 19—woke up five meters back. He changed rugby forever.”
Jonny Wilkinson, the man who led England to World Cup glory in 2003, has remained a national hero ever since.
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But while his sporting achievements are legendary, it’s his personal journey that has seen some surprising turns.
A French Romance On October 21, 2013, Wilkinson tied the knot with Shelley Jenkins, his girlfriend of eight years. The ceremony was a private affair in Bandol, on the French Riviera, not far from Toulon. Today, the couple has a son, believed to be named James.
From Struggles to Strength Wilkinson has been open about the mental health challenges he faced following his World Cup triumph, particularly during his time off the field due to injuries. However, meeting Shelley helped him regain his perspective and improve his outlook on life.
A New Beginning Jonny and Shelley’s relationship blossomed after Jonny's split from Sky Sports presenter Diana Stewart in 2005. At the time, Diana was just starting her career with Sky, covering a variety of sports, including golf, tennis, boxing, football, and rugby, before becoming the host of 'Golf Night'.
Rugby: The Strain on Relationships A friend of Wilkinson’s explained the toll rugby took on his personal life, saying: "It is the same with all his relationships; rugby got in the way then as it is doing now. He's just so committed to the sport that there is no room for anything else."
Diana's Reflections Diana, who later married European Tour golfer Nick Dougherty in December 2010, reflected on their breakup: "We are not in a relationship at the moment, but we are still very close. Jonny and I speak every day, but the two of us have a lot of things going on in our lives.
"There was no one particular thing. A lot of factors played a part in the decision. Even so, we are still incredibly supportive of each other. It works well."
Life After Jonny Diana moved on after her split from Wilkinson, dating Declan Donnelly of Ant & Dec before marrying Dougherty.
Dan Carter Picks His Dream 15 From Past Teammates and Rivals
Dan Carter, one of rugby’s all-time greats, left an indelible mark on the sport. Across 112 Test matches, Carter scored an astonishing 1,598 points for the All Blacks and added another 1,708 points for the Crusaders.
Though injuries ruled him out of the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, Carter finished his career in style, delivering a Man of the Match performance in the 2015 World Cup final, helping New Zealand lift the trophy.
Now, Carter has revealed his Dream Team of players he admires and respects, combining past teammates and opponents who inspired him throughout his career.
FRONT ROW
1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)
Known as “The Beast,” Mtawarira earned 117 Test caps for South Africa. A powerhouse in the scrum, his physicality and leadership were vital to the Springboks’ success during his era.
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
Dynamic and skillful, Coles earned 84 caps for the All Blacks. Renowned for his ball-handling, mobility, and work ethic, he was a key figure in New Zealand’s dominant 2010s run.
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
Brown earned 52 caps and was celebrated for his scrummaging strength and imposing physical presence, forming the backbone of New Zealand’s front row in the 1990s.
SECOND ROW
4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Ireland legend O’Connell captained his country to a Six Nations Grand Slam and earned 108 Test caps. His line-out dominance and relentless tackling made him a central figure in Ireland’s golden era.
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
One of the finest locks of his generation, Retallick has 132 caps for the All Blacks. His athleticism, line-out skill, and physical presence were pivotal to New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
BACK ROW
6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Burger’s 86 Test caps saw him become one of rugby’s most feared flankers. Known for his leadership and tenacity, he was crucial to South Africa’s 2007 World Cup victory.
Carter on Burger: “A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field. He was tough to play against.”
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
With 148 caps, McCaw is arguably the best openside flanker ever. His leadership helped New Zealand secure two Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2015).
Carter on McCaw: “I learned so much from playing alongside him. A real leader who took us to back-to-back World Cups.”
8. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Dusautoir captained France 56 times and earned 80 caps. His work rate and consistency made him a standout in France’s near-miss 2011 World Cup campaign.
Carter on Dusautoir: “He had some blinding games in big moments, especially against the All Blacks.”
HALFBACKS
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
Smith’s 118 caps as a scrum-half made him indispensable to the All Blacks. His vision and quick service helped control the pace of countless matches.
10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Wilkinson earned 91 caps and is famed for his drop goal that won England the 2003 World Cup. His dedication and kicking prowess made him a true rugby warrior.
Carter on Wilkinson: “I really looked up to him and tried to emulate his work ethic. The 2005 Lions tour was a fanboy moment for me.”
CENTRES
12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Nonu’s powerful running and line-breaking ability made him one of New Zealand’s most feared midfielders. With 103 caps and two World Cup wins, his impact was immense.
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
O’Driscoll, with 133 caps, is considered one of the best centres in rugby history. Known for his intelligence, leadership, and defensive skill, he captained Ireland to the 2009 Grand Slam.
Carter on O’Driscoll: “He and O’Connell were giants of the game, on and off the pitch.”
Carter on O’Driscoll: “He and O’Connell were giants of the game, on and off the pitch.”
BACK THREE
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu’s 63 tries in 73 Tests redefined the wing position. His pace and power left a lasting legacy, especially from the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Carter on Lomu:
Carter on Lomu:
14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
Habana scored 67 tries in 124 Tests, becoming one of the most electrifying wingers ever. His speed and finishing helped South Africa lift the 2007 World Cup.
15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)
A versatile back capable of playing fullback or wing, Smith earned 94 caps. His timing and skill were crucial to New Zealand’s backline, especially during the 2015 World Cup.
Test Your Rugby Knowledge: Top 17 Point Scorers Quiz
Whether they dominated with ice-cool penalty kicks, pinpoint conversions, or electrifying tries, these players have made their mark on the game.
You’ve got four minutes on the clock—can you list them all? Grab a pen, set the timer, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to ace this ultimate rugby challenge!
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