I’ll finish career at Toulon – Wilkinson

Two weeks after calling time on his 91-cap England career, Jonny Wilkinson said that he will end his club career at French Top 14 side Toulon.

“The aim is to finish my career at Toulon, continue to improve and do the best I can do until the moment comes when it is no longer possible,” said the 32-year-old, who recently signed a new deal at the French side until 2013.

“I see myself as someone who can be trusted. I spent 13 years at Newcastle because I like to think long-term. Here at Toulon I have the same goal.”

Wilkinson, a World Cup winner in 2003, kicked 15 points in Toulon’s 20-15 win over Lyon on Friday which kept his team in third place in the table.

Such is his hold on the position that former French outside-half Frederic Michalak, who has reached a verbal agreement to play for Toulon next season, has already been told that he will have to slot into the scrum-half position.

Wilkinson brought the curtain down on his international career on December 12 after 13 seasons playing for England.

“When I was young, I never envisaged the end of my rugby career, but, despite that, the moment is coming,” said Wilkinson.

“It’s necessary to stand back and think about things.

“After the World Cup in New Zealand, I told myself that there are younger players than me coming along and that they must have the opportunity to show what they can do at international level.

“England also needs to build a strong team for the next World Cup.”