Big decision: Jonny Wilkinson
Mourad Boudjellal has given a clear indication he wants to tie star Jonny Wilkinson to Toulon at whatever cost with a new four-year contract mooted.
2003 World Cup winner Wilkinson, who is 33 and a dark horse for British and Irish Lions selection, is expected to confirm his future during March.
And it seems Boudjellal is keen to do everything in his power to keep the former England number 10 at Felix Mayol, with a glowing reference given.
"I'd sign him for four years if he wanted to," he told AFP. "He knows that if I extend it, it's not for bad reasons. It's just that he's an excellent player."
Boudjellal would not be drawn into the likelihood of pivot Wilkinson putting pen to paper however.
"Only he can say, it's he who decides," he said.
Comments
Chinstan says...
Imagine the psychological impact of being in a tight test against the Aussies with 20 mins to go and you bring him on. Worth taking just for that impact!
Posted 17:15 28th February 2013
ironmanI441 says...
Well he is staying fit, playing for a winning side with a chance at the HC, and the fans and owner love him, and top it all off he is playing as well as he ever has. Why wouldn't he sign on for at least two seasons.
JW never relied on raw pace or strength, it was all technique (tackling/kicking) and reading the game (passing), so he isn't going to fade as quickly as some others who relied a lot more on physical attributes.
Posted 10:46 28th February 2013
yuri29 says...
Michalak will not be pleased by this new.....
Posted 18:51 27th February 2013
heathy says...
Wilkinson is having a good season and clearly is still a class act. I'm surprised the talk of a Lions spot has quietened down as beyond Sexton there isn't an obvious choice. Yes, Farrell has been playing well but so has Wilkinson. Also, Farrell is unproven temperament wise and tends to lose it a bit (see last week¿s French game). Wilkinson has all the experience and also slots his kicks. He's been there and done it which for the Lions trip (only three tests) as a one off, he would be ideal. Beyond those three there is Flood together with a load of also-rans who are nowhere near the same class. Sexton to start with either of Farrell or Wilkinson on the bench but if it were me I¿d rather see Wilkinson there for this series. Farrell will have his day if he keeps improving.
Posted 17:55 27th February 2013
kybone says...
I was still holding out hope that maybe he'd like to come and finish his career at the Doncaster Knights!
Posted 16:26 27th February 2013
Haldir says...
Never saw that coming! More likely that he'll extend for 2, then hang up the boots. He definitely wants a couple more shots the HC...
Posted 10:36 27th February 2013
Iyhel says...
Wilkinson is in good form at the moment, he probably could play one more season, maybe too, without it being too much. That said, he must know his body better than me ;)
When he retires from the field I'd really like to see him take over coaching (starting with the backs) at Toulon. I'm sure he could bring a lot.
Posted 10:17 27th February 2013
Iyhel says...
Wilkinson is in good form at the moment, he probably could play one more season, maybe too, without it being too much. That said, he must know his body better than me ;)
When he retires from the field I'd really like to see him take over coaching (starting with the backs) at Toulon. I'm sure he could bring a lot.
Posted 10:17 27th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
What a recommendation. If he does call it a day then its definatley going to be on his own terms and with his club and his fans crying out for more.
Posted 09:20 27th February 2013