Toulon target Wilkinson
Boudjellal looks overseas to assemble strong side
By Carlie Horsley Last updated: 2nd September 2008
Wilkinson: Target for Toulon
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England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been linked to a move to French club Toulon.
Wilkinson, who only signed a new deal at Newcastle Falcons in January, could potentially see a big-money move to the French side.
President Mourad Boudjellal, who has a reputation for spending big, has spent a total of €5million on new players in his two-year reign at the club.
He has been accused of assembling a team of overseas players to challenge big clubs Toulouse, Stade Français and Clermont Auvergne for European titles.
This team includes Sonny Bill Williams, who ended a five-year contract after one-year with Australian rugby league club Canterbury Bulldogs, in order to join the French side.
Now Boudjellal could be setting his sights on Wilkinson.
Boudjellal told The Times: "I know another French club made a big offer for Wilkinson and, if he was available, I would be interested. But I'm not Roman Abramovich."
With rival club Brive counting four English players in their squad, it is a possibility that Boudjellal will look across the Channel to improve his chances in France's Top 14.
Toulon coach Tana Umaga thinks the club would benefit from signing a big-name player like Wilkinson.
He said: "It's possible to see someone like Wilkinson ending up in Toulon.
"It's a working-class town, a tough town, but Mourad has done wonderful things for it. Without him, we would not be here, I would not be here."
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Comments
Todd Riley says...
i am a falcons fan and have to agree most weeks i go to kingston park waiting to see him play and i am disappointed he rarely plays, his wages and transfer fees would allow us to improve on our average forwards. thus improving our team, which came in a shocking second bottom last year. the academy brings great back players in to the team every year so we have know problems there. i say let him go
Posted 17:28 3rd September 2008
Peter Tipper says...
I think this 'possible' move would be good for both player and club. Newcastle have pinned most of their future success on a fit Wilko which has not happened, therefore holding back the potential of players like Rob Miller and others in the recent past. Jonny fit and on his game is still a world class 10, but the pressure of living up to his past achievements and level of play required for a Premiership fly-half must be one of the reasons his body keeps letting him down. Move to France Jonny, play a good level of rugby with the pressure of Englands expectations left behind across the channel. Or you could come and play at Worcester??? :)
Posted 12:40 3rd September 2008
Rory B says...
To be blunt Wilko going to another club would make very little difference to the Falcons. We've seen hardly anything of him since the world cup win & he's rarely been fully fit when he has played. Maybe it would do him & Newcastle good to part ways - at least it'd stop us being seen as a one horse club despite the fact that if he was a horse he'd have been shot a few years ago.
Posted 01:28 3rd September 2008
Jamie Macdonald says...
Wilkinson should go for a new environment, challenge and a general change. Alex O'Hanlon is right: carter IS better; so is giteau!
Posted 14:24 2nd September 2008
Mike Reed says...
Think its a great move for Wilkinson, but probably a better move for someone like Rob Miller the young Falcons reserve English fly half who last year started his premiership games with aplomb and certainty. If he'd has been playing down in Stuart Barnes country (Bath, Bristol, Gloucs)he'd already be a household name.
Posted 13:32 2nd September 2008
Martin Harries says...
best move for jonny now his international; career has come to an end with all hie injuries and a big money move would be good you no what they say a change is as good as a rest go for it jonny
Posted 12:02 2nd September 2008
Liam H says...
I think this move would be good for jonny. Get from pressue of his back!!!
Posted 23:45 1st September 2008
Alex O'hanlon says...
Carter is better!!!!
Posted 18:05 1st September 2008
Billy Bob says...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Wilko dont go ur needed in England dont give into money please
Posted 16:39 1st September 2008
David Brown says...
I can't help but think he would get to play a better standard of rugby in France than Newcastle. I think a move like this could be what he needs to reinvigorate his career. Sorry Newcastle fans.
Posted 16:39 1st September 2008
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