Neil Back

Jonny - still a class act

Fri Sep 25 10:33AM

I'm not in the least bit surprised that Jonny Wilkinson has made such a successful start with Toulon in the Top 14.

When I heard in the summer that Jonny was moving from Newcastle after 12 years I thought at the time that it was a good decision for him.

Jonny has now played seven games for Toulon and it is clear that his sharpness is getting better with every game.

The thing about Jonny is that he sets such high standards and people around him will always try to aspire to them.

Clubs like to have people like Jonny around as their professionalism rubs off on other players and I imagine he is having that impact at Toulon.

I have never come across anyone in rugby who has had to deal with the injury problems he has and I am just delighted that he is now getting the chance to remind us of what a class act he is.

The England team that won the World Cup was full of players who set extremely high standards in terms of fitness and dedication. Jonny was right up there in all the tests, and was at the forefront of the players' individual efforts to maximise their own potential.

We were all very dedicated in that squad, but I suppose because Jonny was playing a pivotal position and kicked so many winning goals his dedication received a lot of attention.

Don't get me wrong, Jonny deserved the praise he got, but I think he would agree when I say his approach was not unique in what was a very professional environment.

His good looks didn't do him any hard either!

England manager Martin Johnson will no doubt be hoping that Jonny continues his good form for Toulon.

Having captained him in such a successful England side, Johnno knows what Jonny brings to a team better than anyone.

Of course Johnno will be hoping he stays fit, but I doubt very much he will be worrying about it. Injuries are one of the things you cannot legislate for in rugby, so there is no point losing sleep over it.

Johnno also knows Jonny is a great example of an elite sportsman and can see the importance of having him around the England squad.

A fit and firing Jonny lifts everyone, and with him back on the scene it could be a good time to recall Danny Cipriani to the elite squad.

Cipriani has had a decent start for Wasps this season and if Johnno is looking for someone to act as a mentor for the guy, well I can think of no-one better than Jonny.

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