Wilkinson's Lions hopes slimmed

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte has stated that they have had no contact from the British and Irish Lions over releasing potential tourists.

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte has stated the club have had no contact from the British and Irish Lions over releasing potential tourists.

England duo Andrew Sheridan and Jonny Wilkinson have both been linked with possible spots on the plane to Australia, but a fixture clash between the Top 14 final and the first Lions match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong has left the situation unclear.

Speaking to the Telegraph on Tuesday, Laporte revealed that there had been no contact between Lions head coach Warren Gatland since last November, with Laporte not even aware of the date of the squad announcement on April 30.

The only player who may link up with the Lions from Toulon is Wales prop Gethin Jenkins, who is leaving the club at the end of the season.

“Our players will be with us. We have had nothing from the Lions, not at all,” said Laporte.