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WORLD SPORT

Wilkinson insists best yet to come

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Wilkinson has not played for England since the 2003 World Cup win

England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson insists that, despite persistent injury problems, his best years are still ahead of him.

Wilkinson has not played for his country since winning the World Cup in November 2003 after being plagued by a string of injuries.

The 26-year-old Newcastle fly-half's future has been in doubt because he is now troubled by an adductor muscle problem.

But Wilkinson insists he will not only return but get better.

Wilkinson told Rugby World: "I don't blame people for writing me off. I can see their point of view. But if people are saying I'm finished I'm going to prove them wrong.

"Yes, of course the plan is to get back in the England team, play in future World Cups, Lions tours and everything else.

"And I really believe, no, I really know that there is so much more of a player inside me waiting to come out that the world of rugby hasn't seen yet.

"People were very kind to me a few years ago when I played for England, but I knew, deep down, that I wasn't even close to my optimum.

"I hope to rectify that on my return. There's no question I'll be back, even better than before."

The latest adductor problem is unrelated to the operation Wilkinson had on a hernia last November.

Greenwood to quit

England World Cup-winning centre Will Greenwood is retiring at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old, who won 55 England caps, will hang up his boots at the end of Harlequins' National League One campaign.

Greenwood made three Lions tours and was a key member of England's 2003 World Cup win when he finished joint-top tryscorer for the tournament with five.

"As hard as it has been for me to admit, the time has come to retire from the game that has always been part of my life," Greenwood told the Daily Telegraph.

"I understand the reasons. I'm getting slower - if that was possible. I can no longer perform to the levels I wish, and my body is falling apart; six operations, broken bones, a near-death experience, torn ligaments, dislocated shoulders and hamstrings tighter than guitar strings."

Greenwood's top-flight playing career began with Leicester before he moved to Harlequins in 2000.

The son of former England flanker and coach Dick Greenwood, he toured South Africa in 1997 and Australia four years later with the British and Irish Lions but did not play a Test.

Injuries ruined those two trips for him, most famously in South Africa when he swallowed his tongue after a head collision, but he played two Lions Tests in New Zealand last year.

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