IF JONNY WILKINSON had any doubts that he has been catapulted to superstardom then they surely disappeared the moment he emerged from British Airways' jumbo jet 'Sweet Chariot' to confront the thousands of fans who braved the chilly pre-dawn air at Heathrow Airport.
Wilkinson, a very private individual who has found himself the central figure in a sporting phenomenon, accepts that for him life will never be the same again as he comes to terms with the fact that he will forever be regarded as the man who won the World Cup for England with his extra-time drop-goal.
It was almost sad to see the England fly-half at a news conference yesterday expressing his desperation to return to his quiet life in Newcastle - but as the camera flashes went off time and again he looked more like a rabbit trapped in the glare of the headlights.
Wilkinson and others may fear that life in the spotlight may prove too uncomfortable. But those who know him best, his team-mates and manager Clive Woodward, believe he has the temperament to cope.
Some analysts believe that within 12 months Wilkinson is likely to become one of the top 10 earners in British sport. One report yesterday suggested he could even register his cuppedhands kicking stance as a trademark.
But the 24-year-old maintains he will remain true to his principles and take the stardom in his stride.
"I'm a bit wary of a few things but ever since I've been in this set-up I've tried to take things as they come," said Wilkinson.
"A lot of the guys will be in the same boat and will want to go about things in the same professional way.
"That's the philosophy since I've become a professional rugby player. I want to continue being myself and I can't play rugby any other way than I do now.
'I'm keen to get on with life now I'm back but I'm keen not to forget, not to lose memories like that. "I'm overawed by the support, as we all are. Coming into the airport was something else, and seeing that support was hugely humbling and massively uplifting. The guys appreciate that more than they can put into words."
For now Wilkinson just wants to return to the flat he shares with his brother Mark, meet his mother Philippa - unable to bear the tension of watching him play even on television - and spend time with his girlfriend Diana Stewart and his father Philip, who did travel to Australia to share his World Cup experience.
He added: "Above all, I am desperately keen to maintain the lifestyle I have which allows me to prepare for what I love doing. I will desperately try not to let anything get in the way of that. The only thing which makes me enjoy it is knowing I have no regrets about the way I have performed in front of people who have paid money to watch me.
"I'm after a bit of peace and quiet and I'm keen to get back home. I haven't seen all of my family for a long, long time now.
"I've put a huge amount of effort, as has everyone who got off that plane, into the last eight weeks - or four years probably - and I want to get back for the few days I have got to embrace it all, be with my family and get back into a situation where I feel totally comfortable and total ly myself."
Wilkinson's natural inclination may be to shy away from the limelight. But Woodward, speaking at the same news conference at the England team's base in Bagshot, said: "We always hoped we could create superstars, and I have no doubt these guys can handle it.
"This is a very experienced team. No doubt their lives will change, but they will take it in their stride."
Matt Dawson, the ebullient Wirral-born scrum-half, echoed Woodward's words and said the Rugby Football Union have already taken steps to support the players.
Dawson said: " Jonny's exceptional at dealing with pressure. It's easy to forget all the negative pressure that was on him at the start of the tournament, and he came through it and had a great end to the championship.
"I think there's going to be massive pressure on the whole squad, headed by Jonny because of his drop-goal. But we have some fantastic, professional people around us."
