19 May 2009

Wilkinson joins French club Toulon

6:05 am on 19 May 2009

The French rugby club Toulon says it has signed the England first-five Jonny Wilkinson from the Newcastle Falcons.

Wilkinson, 29, has suffered a succession of injuries since drop-kicking the winning goal for England against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final.

He has been sidelined for five months after dislocating his left kneecap during a club game.

Toulon have already signed Argentina's first-five Felipe Contepomi for next season, when their head coach will be the former France international Philippe Saint-Andre with the former All Black captain Tana Umaga coaching the backs.