Jonny Wilkinson, CBE, Former rugby player

Honorary doctorate in Civil Law by Northumbria University

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About Jonny

Jonny Wilkinson's professional rugby career spanned over three decades, four World Cups where he represented England and two tours with the British and Irish Lions. He is widely acknowledged as one of the best rugby union players of all time.

In more recent years, with his playing days behind him, Jonny has been outspoken about how the unique calmness with which he played the game masked a very different reality off the field. His need for perfection may have fuelled his dedication and served him in some respects but it was also the cause of far more conflict and damage at deeper levels. Now Jonny has turned this intense desire to uncover his potential 180 degrees and is using it to look inward, to find true balance and flow. It is this calling that underpins a new journey exploring what it is to be healthy, to feel alive and to make the most of every moment.

Towards the end of his rugby career, Jonny shifted his focus from fitness to a broader view on health and began to look deep into the powerful role that nutrition plays in wellbeing. He discovered that what we eat and drink has a profound effect upon the way our bodies and minds work.

Jonny instantly took to kombucha’s after finding it a revelation in the way it made him feel, how it energized him and worked with his digestive system, bringing him a greater sense of ease and alignment with whatever the external world demanded if him. After noticing how hard it was to find a product that was both accessible in price point but also delicious, he set out to create his own kombucha brand, and No. 1 Living was born.

Professional Accomplishments

Founded No. 1 living – Kombuca brand
In December 2005, Wilkinson was awarded an honorary doctorate in Civil Law by Northumbria University
He was the 2003 BBC Sports Personality of the Year
He was the 2003 International Rugby Board (IRB) International Player of the Year.

Noteworthy work