Share

Wilkinson extends Toulon stay

Toulon - Rugby World Cup winning flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has signed a one-year contract extension with Toulon, the French Top 14 club said on their internet site on Tuesday.

The news was widely expected after the 33-year-old former England No 10 told The Times newspaper last month that he would do so.

In that interview he admitted he had considered retiring as he suffered from a long-standing groin problem.

But having come successfully through surgery and having sought the advice of teammates such as former Australia three-quarter Matt Giteau and France halfback Frederic Michalak, Wilkinson decided to carry on.

He joined the big-spending French outfit in 2009 following a 12-year spell with Newcastle Falcons, with whom he won the English Premiership in 1998.

Wilkinson started his career as a 17-year-old before going on to be regarded by many as England's greatest ever flyhalf.

He will be forever remembered for kicking the last-gasp, extra-time, match-winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final against hosts Australia.

He brought down the curtain on his international career following the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand after 91 caps and 1 179 points.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE