LIONS TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA:JONNY WILKINSON has joined French club Toulon from the Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal but will remain available for England. Wilkinson (29) has suffered a succession of injuries since kicking the winning drop goal for England against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final.
“He has signed a two-year deal,” Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal said yesterday at a presentation of the club’s 16 new signings for next season.
“Jonny still has to undergo further tests but for now, everything is fine (physically). He wants to play the 2011 World Cup with England. He’s got two years to prepare for it with Toulon. The only condition was that he would be available for England – for the Tests and the training camps.”
Wilkinson has been sidelined for five months after dislocating his left kneecap during a club match. Toulon have already signed Leinster’s Argentina outhalf Felipe Contepomi for next season, when they will be coached by former France international Philippe Saint-Andre. “He (Wilkinson) is very motivated. He has undergone some tests because we want to make sure that he is 100 per cent fit when the season starts,” Saint-Andre said.
Former New Zealand captain Tana Umaga coaches Toulons backs.
