Nick Kennedy described winning the Heineken Cup as the pinnacle of his career and a vindication of his decision to move to Toulon last summer.
Wilkinson praise
Kennedy reserved special praise for Wilkinson, who not only combined with Bastareaud to deny Skrela but was inspirational in Toulon's European triumph.
Wilkinson did not miss a kick in the knock-out stages, landing 17 from 17 as Toulon beat Leicester, Saracens and then tournament favourites Clermont.
Armitage admitted after the game he should have run around under the posts instead of showboating as he scored his try - but such is their faith in Wilkinson that it never occurred to him.
Kennedy said: "Jonny practises so hard and he deserves everything.
"We are so grateful to him as a team because when we are at home sitting on our backsides he is out there kicking, working for moments like that.
"He hasn't missed a kick in the quarter, semi or final. He is absolutely phenomenal.
"He should have won a lot more silverware but he is a loyal man. He was loyal to Newcastle, who were usually at the other end of the Premiership, and he is very loyal to Toulon.
"That is one of the reasons he is not going with the Lions, because he wants to be there in the (Top 14) final. Jonny loves Toulon and everyone in Toulon loves Jonny."
Toulon have little time to celebrate their Heineken Cup triumph, with a Top 14
semi-final showdown with Toulouse looming on Friday night.
"It's not how you start, it is how you finish," laughed Kennedy. "So far it is just amazing. Hopefully we have two matches left (to complete the double). The guys around me are inspirational characters."
