Jonny Wilkinson  grew up in Surrey and sport played a central role in his childhood, with rugby quickly emerging as his greatest passion. He attended Pierrepont School and later Lord Wandsworth College, where his skill, work ethic and dedication to training became evident from an early age. He went on to represent England Schools at various age levels and, after leaving school in 1997, turned down a place at Durham University to pursue a professional rugby career.

His breakthrough came when he joined Newcastle Falcons, making his senior debut at just 18 years old. Almost immediately, his calm composure, tactical intelligence, and remarkable kicking accuracy marked him out as one of the most promising young talents in the sport, earning him his first England cap later that same year.

Jonny Wilkinson | A Formidable Career

In a career spanning 17 years Jonny, played club rugby for Newcastle Falcons and French side Toulon with 323 appearances for the two clubs. His first of 91 international appearances for England was in 1998, with a further six appearances for the British and Irish Lions. He was part of 67 winning international matches. As well as the famous 2003, World Cup, Jonny won a number of other international tournaments:

Six Nations Championship – Winner: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2011
Grand Slam – Winner: 2003
Triple Crown – Winner: 1998, 2002, 2003
World Cup – Winner: 2003

Jonny Wilkinson CBE | No1 Living Drink Brand

Jonny launched No.1 Living in 2018, but the seed of the idea had been growing for several years. It all began when his wife was training to become a nutritionist, which opened the couple’s eyes to the fascinating world of gut health. Together, they discovered the crucial role that bacteria play in digestion and overall wellbeing. This curiosity naturally led them to explore the concept of fermenting foods, which in turn introduced them to kombucha and other living foods. They were amazed at how these foods could not only support the gut but also have a positive impact on mental clarity, energy levels, and overall vitality.

Through this journey, Jonny developed a profound new understanding of how to work with the body, learning to listen to it and respect its incredible intelligence and natural rhythms. He came to appreciate the body as a living, dynamic system capable of remarkable resilience and balance when supported correctly.

Inspired by this insight, Jonny wanted to share the benefits of living foods and mindful nutrition with a wider audience. This desire to help others experience improved gut health, increased energy, and overall wellbeing led to the creation of No.1 Living, a brand built on the philosophy that food can nourish not just the body, but the mind and spirit as a whole.

The Jonny Wilkinson Foundation

The Jonny Wilkinson Charitable Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and supporting both emerging leaders and young people, helping them to realise their full potential and build the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in all aspects of life. At its core, the foundation seeks to empower young people to develop resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose, recognising that these qualities are essential for personal growth and long-term success.

One of the foundation’s primary focuses is on mental wellbeing. Through a range of carefully designed programs and initiatives, it aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health in young people, while presenting this topic in positive, engaging, and accessible ways. The foundation believes that by equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to care for their mental wellbeing, they are better able to face challenges, manage stress, and build confidence in their abilities.

Jonny Wilkinson CBE | NSPiRED

Jonny created the NSPiRED programme as part of his foundation. It is a free, six-week programme designed to empower teachers, community leaders, and other individuals who hold influential roles in the lives of young people. Through a carefully structured series of sessions, participants are guided to explore new approaches to leadership, communication, and personal development, helping them to maximise their positive impact on the communities they serve.

At its core, NSPiRED is an immersive exploration of what is possible in the realms of performance, leadership, relationships, and life experience. The programme encourages participants to reflect deeply on their own behaviours, beliefs, and patterns, providing the tools and support needed to consciously recognise and transcend personal limitations.

By doing so, it enables participants to embody these transformative principles in their daily interactions, fostering an environment where young people are inspired, motivated, and supported to realise their full potential.

Jonny Wilkinson CBE | I AM Podcast

From fear to freedom, surviving to thriving, Jonny Wilkinson’s I AM podcast sees him celebrating the exponential possibilities that arise when we are willing to become interested in deeper dimensions of human experience. He speaks with pioneers and thought leaders around the globe, redefining concepts of health and well-being, performance, purpose, leadership, relationships and human potential.

Former interviewees include British physician, author and podcaster Dr Rangan Chatterjee, creator of The Secret Rhonda Byrne, paralysed former rugby player and artist Henry Fraser and Fearne Cotton, author, presenter, and podcaster.

Jonny Wilkinson CBE | Keynote Speaker

Jonny is an accomplished speaker and has delivers talks with the same calm but focused manner in which he played his rugby. Popular speaking topics include:

– High Performance & Leadership – lessons from elite sport on focus, teamwork, and delivering under pressure.

– Mental Resilience & Wellbeing – strategies for managing stress, overcoming setbacks, and sustaining balance.

– Personal Transformation – embracing change, self-awareness, and growth beyond comfort zones.

– Purpose & Motivation – finding meaning, drive, and fulfilment in work and life.

– Team Culture & Connection – building trust, unity, and shared vision for success.

Past clients have included HCM Summit, The Pharmacy Show and Attivo Partnership.

Jonny Wilkinson CBE | Corporate and Ambassador Roles

Alongside his sporting and charitable endeavours, Jonny has taken on a variety of corporate and ambassador roles, partnering with organisations whose values align with his commitment to excellence, wellbeing, and personal growth. He has worked extensively with Vitality as a long-standing ambassador, promoting healthy living and mental wellbeing initiatives.

His has also worked with brands such as Gillette, HSBC, and Land Rover, where he has fronted campaigns focused on performance, teamwork, and resilience.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book rugby legend, philanthropist, health advocate and business founder Jonny Wilkinson for your next event.

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