Jonny Wilkinson “thrilled and humbled” by Calvia honour

By H. Carter and JONNY Wilkinson and his family are delighted by the news that Calvia council wants to name a sports centre in honour of the regular visitor's great sporting achievements. The World Cup-winning fly half left Majorca yesterday after his annual summer holiday at his parent's holiday home on the island armed with Monday's Bulletin and the report about Calvia council's intentions. Jonny Wilkinson's one holiday a year appears to be sacred and not even his family wanted to bother him. However, Wilkinson's parents, Phil and Phillipa, told the Bulletin that “he will be extremely honoured and humbled by the whole thing.” His agent Tim Buttimore said that Wilkinson would be “thrilled.” Phil and Phillipa Wilkinson have owned a holiday home on the island for over 30 years so the council's decision to honour their son Jonny is especially important as Calvia is their home-from-home. The news came as a surprise to Jonny and the group of rugby-playing friends he has been on holiday with. Yesterday, although clearly pleased, Jonny said that he did not want to comment until he knew all the details of the proposal. The rugby star, whose winning drop goal in the dying minutes of the World Cup final against Australia has gone down as one of the greatest sporting moments, is an extremely private person. Local residents near his family's holiday home are used to the sight of the Newcastle Falcons rugby star out jogging most mornings. Despite nursing an injury he picked up on the British and Irish Lions' recent tour of New Zealand, he has been carrying out some light training while in Majorca. He has also been enjoying some typical Majorcan food. Last week, for example, he and his friends went to Ca'n Pedro in Genova. But, for the most part, the holiday has been very much a case of rest and recuperation after the Lions' tour and ahead of the new season. Most days have been spent on nearby beaches with plenty of swimming - a great rehabilitation exercise. Calvia council's proposal to name a sports centre in Wilkinson's honour already has the full backing of the Mayor but will still have to be approved by the council. The Wilkinsons may well say it will be a great honour for Jonny, it will also be a great honour for the British and rugby playing community in Majorca.