Jonny Wilkinson tight-lipped on future at Toulon

By GARETH BLACK
Published on 20/12/2012 02:41

TOULON’S former England stand-off Jonny Wilkinson has refused to answer questions regarding his future.

Wilkinson has been with the wealthy French club since 2009 but there is speculation that this may be the 33-year-old’s last campaign at the Stade Mayol, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

The 2003 World Cup winner admitted he would not want to continue playing if he could not replicate his heroics for Toulon.

“I believe the club may very well decide to stick with me but, before I make my decision, I need to know if I can bring something positive to the team,” he said in an interview with French regional newspaper Var-Matin.

“I always have the desire, but, just like when I came to the end of my contract at Newcastle, I didn’t make the decision for myself but for the club.

“The question is not ‘what do I want?’ but ‘what do the coaches and the other players want from me?’

“If I can answer that, then I can start thinking about what I would like from a perfect world. But that is not a priority for me. I don’t know what will happen yet but I really want to maintain the link with Toulon in one way or another.”

Wilkinson has a chance to win his first piece of 
silverware with Toulon, who sit at the summit of the Top 14. And he thinks the star-studded team – which is packed with proven Test players such as half-back Frederic Michalak, 
91-Test veteran Matt Giteau of Australia and former South Africa lock Bakkies Botha – is one of the best he has played in.

“I take great pleasure from playing for Toulon and especially this season. Personally, I’m never satisfied but I’m happy to be that way,” he added.

“We’re winning games and progressing. We’re moving in the right direction but the most important thing is the mindset of the group and the energy we transmit.”