Exceptional Wilkinson seeks end to Toulon’s 20-year wait
RECORD-BREAKING former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been hailed by Toulon captain Joe van Niekerk as they prepare for tonight’s Amlin Challenge Cup final against Biarritz at the Stoop.
An all-French clash will have a distinctly English flavour, with Wilkinson one of a handful of ex-pats in Toulon’s squad and former Red Rose full-back Iain Balshaw enjoying his third season at Biarritz.
“He is one of those players who only comes round every 10 years, if that,” said South African No8 Van Niekerk of Wilkinson. “To have him in our team is exceptional.”
The 33-year-old has a rival for most influential Englishman at Toulon in Steffon Armitage, the former London Irish flanker named this year’s player of the season in the French top flight. A star-studded side seeking its first major trophy for 20 years also includes Australian Matt Giteau and All Black Carl Hayman.