Jonny Wilkinson: Wants to keep winning
In the midst of continued uncertainty over the future of his career, Jonny Wilkinson has given a strong indication that he will renew his contract with Top 14 leaders Toulon.
The French club are desperate for the 33-year-old former England fly-half to stay on board but he has repeatedly delayed making a decision over whether or not to retire when his current contract expires at the end of the season.
Wilkinson kicked 25 points as Toulon stayed on course for the semi-finals with a 35-16 win over champions Toulouse in a repeat of the 2012 final on Saturday and admitted he wants to keep playing if he can still make a positive contribution.
"During my career at Toulon, it has always been a pleasure for me and I want to continue until the end," said Wilkinson, who joined Toulon in 2009.
"But the question that I have to ask myself is: 'Am I doing good things for the team?'
"I have to keep asking this question. If the answer is 'yes' then I am going to keep going. There are great players here and all that I want is that we continue to win, to do good things for the the region."
RCT currently lie two points clear of Clermont at the summit of the Top 14 standings. They host Biarritz next as they gear up for their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leicester next month.
Comments
ironmanI441 says...
Fish isnt quite aware of how the Lions work. The Lions are not a national side, nor are the in particularly chosen from only the national sides. They are chosen from the Welsh English Scottish and Irish pools of players based on eligibility rather than whether they are currently based in their respective national set ups. Secondly the Lions isn't about building for the future, it is about a single tour, three tests. That is why JW is being considered. Nobody cares if he is going to play in a future RWC (he won't) because it isn't about the future. It is about winning and the facts are the guy kicks like a metronome and tackles like a backrow and his game management is rock solid. Should he start, no. Should he even be the number 2, probably not. But is he a great player to have as a midweek game 10 and bench experience. Most definitely. As for BOD, you clearly are on of those SH's who never watch a full game of NH rugby. BOD played amazingly for the Welsh game, yes he hasn't been at his attacking best, but check his ball stolen and tackle counts and how many times he covers at 9. He is doing all the things he knows his team needs. However I am not sure BOD is a Lion this time around. He doesn't offer as much as JW in the way of what the Lions are lacking, except for leadership. If Gatland brings him, it is for experience and the little things, not any real offensive of defensive purpose.
Posted 10:03 12th March 2013
ABlack says...
when does Gatland announce the Lions team...??
Posted 19:05 06th March 2013
piriaka says...
Be dignified and go now
Posted 02:38 04th March 2013
Rabsmith says...
JW played a great game on Sat. He has more to give and I hope he doesn't retire from club. Fish... JW retired from international rugby a few years ago which is the reason you don't see him on the squad. He retired to allow talent to come through. Point taken with bod though!
Posted 22:28 03rd March 2013
FISH says...
simple fact, there are better players who could and should have the opportunity, to gain some experience, that would benefit their respective countries moving forward, do you see BOD playing in the next RWC? if so maybe as an impact player on the bench, do you see wilkinson there? no, but i see farrel there. its stupid to include them for the sake of some nostalgia get over it, they were good baaaaaaack in the day, as for thorne and rsamo, thorne was playing superb consistent rugby, and samo regularly came off the bench as cover or an impact player, BOD had one good game against a deflated welsh team and has done very little since, hardly consistent, wilkinson doesnt even play for england on the bench, yet they're considered? shows how deluded n.h fans are let it go and take farrel and sexton, and take tuilagi, you might actually win then
Posted 14:59 03rd March 2013
sirtidychris says...
FISH
Although England over the last decade have had a poor record of keeping with old stars on past merit, there is also a case to say that age is just a number and if your still good enough then it doesn't matter. Simon shaw was an old git in 2009 but still during that year was probably the best lock in the NH. BOD is still one of the best centres in the NH as his performance in Irelands opening six nations game showed. The Southern Hemisphere is no different with Brad thorne being the oldest player ever to play in a RWC final and australia playing 35 year old Radike Samo in the same world cup and Johan Ackermann at 37 played for the boks vs the wallabies,
Posted 13:45 03rd March 2013
FISH says...
how useless is N.H rugby that they hold on to these over the hill players? BOD, o driscoll? really?
Posted 12:54 03rd March 2013
Haldir says...
Stay! 2 more years, you're sure to win the Top 14, and even the HC. Wouldn't mind him on the Lions tour, for experience and for the atmosphere that men like he and BOD command. He'd steer the ship well, even if he didn't start the games.
Posted 12:37 03rd March 2013
melkdave says...
Theres little dought that JW can still run a game very well,and its a fantastic team at Toulon,filled with world class players thoughout..Still my pick to win the HC this year.If they do the double i suspect JW will play another year or 2 ..Cant really see him wanting to play on past 35 though
Posted 11:11 03rd March 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
By keeping Freddie at 9 you are still serving England aswell.
Posted 09:22 03rd March 2013
macte says...
After all, maybe his early career injuries have given his body time to rest so to still be at his best at 33.
Please go on, Jonny
Posted 08:53 03rd March 2013