Top 14 - Wilkinson makes Toulon debut

Eurosport - Sat, 25 Jul 14:16:00 2009

England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson played his first match in 10 months as he helped his new French club Toulon to a 9-3 friendly victory at home against Brive.

Jonny Wilkinson - Toulon - 0

Wilkinson (pictured), who had broken his knee-cap playing for previous side Newcastle, kicked two penalties and played the first half a match watched by around 10,000 fans who chanted "Wilko! Wilko!"

"I am very happy to be playing rugby again," said the injury-plagued fly-half. "Physically I feel fine even if I was missing a little of my rhythm.

"Before the match I didn't know what my feelings would be, but once I got into the action I knew what to do."

Wilkinson, 30, showed some good touches around the pitch, but admitted that full match fitness still needs to be worked upon.

The 66-time capped player said he made some errors and "needed to play to progress".

Wilkinson joined the ambitious Top 14 side from Newcastle on a two-year deal in May.

Toulon play their first competitive match of the 2009-10 season against Stade Francais on August 14.

AFP

Comment 1 - 15 of 15

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  1. if he keeps improving maybe one day he can be an­ all-maggot.

    From Michael, on Thu 6 Aug 11:25PM

  2. Hopefully he can stay clear of injuries. Best of luck­ in Toulon. I'm glad he joined a team in my favorite­ rugby nation.

    From Kallenovsky, on Mon 3 Aug 9:07PM

  3. Johnny's the Man!! Love to see him play for England­ again...but somehow doubt it. One thing though...what­ ever team he plays for it will be well worth­ watching....just a shame it isn't the­ HARLEQUINS....!!!!!!

    From JohnSW, on Sun 26 Jul 6:40PM

  4. Jonny will play for England again

    From curvinjayne, on Sun 26 Jul 4:03AM

  5. Fantastic to see you playing again . Such talent and­ dedication . May you stay clear of injuries . Welcome­ back

    From L, on Sat 25 Jul 9:42PM

  6. well done jonny great 2 c u playing again and a truly­ great role model for all those kids. can't wait for­ england next game in that #10 shirt, cipriani has­ nothing on you, ur head and shoulders better!!!! vive­ le france a toulon

    From Francois, on Sat 25 Jul 7:21PM

  7. Yes. His foot is marvellous.

    From Donald D, on Sat 25 Jul 6:11PM
  8. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    great to see jonny back playing rugby aagain even­ better when hes back in an england shirt cipriani can­ go take a hike the useless p*^*t

    From john a, on Sat 25 Jul 6:08PM
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    great to see jonny back playing rugby aagain even­ better when hes back in an england shirt cipriani can­ go take a hike the useless p*^*t

    From john a, on Sat 25 Jul 5:59PM

  10. Good to see him back, hope he can get back to his best­ form

    From dare.samuel77, on Sat 25 Jul 1:20PM

  11. I'am a scotsman, but really happy to see this guy­ playing a game, for such a talented player, its been a­ real shame about his injuries. He deserves whatever­ money toulon are paying him, a true professional and­ always has great sportsmanship! well done ,mate

    From bmuirboy, on Sat 25 Jul 1:14PM

  12. ilove him he has a great foot

    From harry, on Sat 25 Jul 12:45PM

  13. It's amazing he's managed being capped 66 times­ considering the number of years he's been out due­ to injury.... Better luck for him in the Top 14 I hope

    From po_drevillon, on Sat 25 Jul 11:57AM

  14. Well done Jonny.Hope that you stay fit and get back in­ that England shirt again.

    From billargles, on Sat 25 Jul 10:34AM

  15. GREAT TO SEE JONNY PLAYING AGAIN PITTY ITS NOT FOR AN­ ENGLISH TEAM HE'S UP THERE WITH OUR GREATEST­ PLAYERS OF ALL TIME.

    From michealaspearpoint, on Sat 25 Jul 1:40AM
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