Toulon have finally confirmed that Jonny Wilkinson will join the Top 14 club before the start of next season.
England fly-half joins exodus to France
Toulon have finally confirmed that Jonny Wilkinson will join the Top 14 club before the start of next season.
The Newcastle fly-half becomes the latest Guinness Premiership star to defect to the cash-rich French league despite his history of injury problems.
The England number 10 has had a succession of serious injuries since kicking the winning points in the 2003 World Cup, and has been sidelined for the last five months with a dislocated knee that has kept him from touring with the Lions for a third time.
His signature has been mooted for several months, with the French club now apparently happy the 29-year-old will recover fully from his latest injury, signing him on two-year contract.
Reports in France claim Wilkinson will earn 800,000 euros a season during his time at Toulon, who will be led next season by former Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre.
Wilkinson is by no means guaranteed a regular first team place, however, with Argentina stand-off Felipe Contepomi having already joined the club from Leinster.
All-time great
Toulon have already confirmed the signings of Sale trio Sebastien Bruno, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Rory Lamont, Munster prop Tim Ryan, Bristol flanker Joe el Abd, Saracens back-rower Kris Chesney, Cardiff centre Jamie Robinson, and Newcastle back Tom May.
Wilkinson played for Newcastle throughout his professional career after joining as an 18-year-old centre in 1997 in preference to studying at Durham University.
Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates said: "Jonny will undoubtedly go down as one of Newcastle's all-time greats.
"He has contributed an incredible amount to this club over the past 12 seasons, and been an inspirational figurehead for rugby in the north-east.
"Even during the times when his appearances for us were restricted he has always remained a positive presence behind the scenes, and everyone here thanks him for his fantastic service as well as wishing him all the best for his new life over in France."
Riki Flutey, James Haskell, Tom Palmer, Jamie Noon and Iain Balshaw are the other England internationals who will move to France this summer.
