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Jonny Wilkinson reveals 'madman' gym struggles in retirement
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Published 05/06/2015 at 14:44 GMT+1
England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson has opened up about his intense struggles in retirement and his "madman" approach to training at the gym.
Eurosport
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Wilkinson, whose heroic performance in the 2003 World Cup inspired England to success in Australia, has revealed how hard he is finding being retired and how he attempts to cope with his struggles.
The record-breaking fly-half quit professional rugby last summer to bring to a close an illustrious 17-year career in which he represented Newcastle, England and Toulon with distinction.
But despite all of his success, the 36-year-old has spoken of struggling to find his identity beyond rugby and even train comfortably at the gym.
"I train like a madman all the time," Wilkinson told The Sun in a candid interview. "But my sessions now are so stupid that I get nervous about them.
"I end up turning up to the gym and I can’t get out of the toilet.
"What am I worth now I’m not playing? Your identity is in and out, and that’s been a heavy part of the last year.
"In my daily life, I don’t have rugby any more. So I’m looking for that next thing, and I’ll know immediately when I find it.
"Training for big games every weekend, playing in front of thousands of people — it makes you feel important. And when that goes, everything goes.
"I’m addicted to the training — I still feel if you took it away from me, I would struggle, because it’s what allows me to burn off my frustration.'
Wilkinson, who at least also has a part-time coaching role with Toulon, also told the newspaper that he has to kick a ball for six hours a day in order to cope with quitting the sport.
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