The will provide readers, users and rugby fans across the UK and around the world with the opportunity to find out more about England’s newest celebrated sporting hero.
Visitors to the site will be able to e-mail their questions direct to Wilkinson, with a selection of the best questions each week being answered by him.
According to Wilkinson: “I have enjoyed writing for The Times over the past year and I'm pleased to see my online section is now open. I'm looking forward to hearing from readers and replying to as many as possible.”
The site will host all his most recent World Cup columns as well as an archive of all his articles and a selection of features and profiles published by The Times and The Sunday Times during the seven-week tournament in Australia.
On Saturday, The Times is to publish a 16 page Wilkinson special supplement, which will carry an edited collection of Wilkinson’s Rugby World Cup columns as well as pictures from the tournament.
Latest rugby news will keep users up-to-date with developments in the sport, and a picture slide-show will bring to life England’s achievements in Australia, with the spotlight on Wilkinson. A Wilkinson top ten will pick out the best matches of his career so far, as chosen by leading sports writers at The Times.
Keith Blackmore, head of sport for The Times, said: “This is great news for Times Online. Readers of the paper will now be given the chance to e-mail Jonny and give their reaction to his articles and, of course, to congratulate him and England for a great performance out in Australia."
The launch of the Wilkinson site online comes as internet speculators look to snap up domain names associated with members of England's World Cup-winning squad.
Research by leading domain name specialist NetNames reveals that addresses related to England coach Clive Woodward such as sirclivewoodward.com and sirclivewoodward.co.uk have both been registered by a French company within hours of England's victory.
Jonathan Robinson, director of business development at NetNames, commented: "England's rugby stars have shot into the limelight in recent days making them increasingly at risk from internet money-makers and individuals who want to set up websites which may not have team members' best interests at heart."
He added: "High-profile sports personalities need to stay ahead of the game by being aware of the value of their online reputation and taking active steps to ensure that people do not try to cash-in on their names."
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