He is the man who kicked England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003, but Jonny Wilkinson’s most enduring partnership is one he cultivates far from the roar of the crowd. The former rugby star is still married to Shelley Jenkins, his partner of nearly two decades.

For many Kenyan sports fans accustomed to the public lives of local and international stars, Wilkinson’s quiet determination to shield his family offers a different perspective on fame. It underscores a conscious choice to prioritise personal peace over public profile, a move that continues to fascinate the public long after his retirement.

A Vow of Secrecy on the French Riviera

The couple’s wedding on October 21, 2013, set the tone for their married life. The ceremony was held in the town hall of Bandol, a sun-drenched resort on the French Riviera near Toulon, where Wilkinson was playing at the time. In an act of profound privacy, just two guests were in attendance: Wilkinson's mother and Jenkins' twin sister.

Christian Palix, the local mayor who officiated the "small, intimate affair," described Wilkinson as "an iconic figure in the sporting world with great human qualities." The decision to marry in secret was deliberate, with a source noting, "They are a lovely couple who did not want to make a fuss."

From Majorca Holiday to Lifelong Partnership

Their story began in 2005 on the Spanish island of Majorca. Jenkins, an heiress to a scaffolding company, was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when she met the rugby star. This meeting came shortly after Wilkinson's high-profile split from Sky Sports presenter Diana Stewart. Their relationship blossomed over eight years before they decided to marry.

Since then, the couple has built a life largely outside the media glare, welcoming a son, James, in 2018. Wilkinson, who has been open about the mental pressures of his career, has often credited his wife for the positive shift in his outlook. In a 2020 interview, he affirmed his devotion, stating that when asked about a celebrity crush, his answer would always be his wife.

Now a respected rugby pundit, Wilkinson's journey reflects a man who mastered the pressures of global sport and then chose a life of quiet contentment. His marriage remains a testament to a partnership grounded not in fame, but in shared values and mutual respect.