Jonny Wilkinson's future doubtful in England
England’s 31-year-old fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is doubtful to be a part of international rugby as he extended his contract with French Top 14 club Toulon for the upcoming season.
Rugby Football Union made it clear to the England squad to only pick players from domestic clubs for the upcoming world cup. This letter was sent last month to England’s Rugby squad whereas Wilkinson has committed himself to the French club until summer
of 2013. Jonny Wilkinson was recently voted as the best overseas player in French Top 14.
Jonny Wilkinson, an English Rugby Union player has been a member of England National Team since 1998. He was recognised as the world’s finest player during Rugby World Cup 2003. His most famous goal was the one he scored in 2003 World Cup final against Australia.
It was a drop-goal, scored during the last minute of extra-time and confirmed England’s victory.
He has also been a part of Newcastle Falcons and British & Irish Lions. Wilkinson was awarded by the University of Surrey with an Honorary Doctorate in 2009 for his services to the sports industry. Wilkinson has been following Buddhist ideologies to control
his purist inclinations. The 31-year-old superstar has earned honours like International Player of the Year-2003 and BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He has seen England through many championships like winning Six Nations 2000 and 2001, Six Nations Championship
Grand Slam 2003 and Rugby World Cup 2003. He also helped England finish as runner-ups in Rugby World Cup in 2007.
For someone who has given so much to England, it is somewhat sad to see him not playing anymore for the national team. On the other hand, Toulon’s club president Mourad Boudjellal seems very happy with Jonny’s decision. During a press conference the club
president said, "It's magic because Jonny is perhaps the best player in the Top 14 and he's the one who gives us the least stress. It seems only natural that he should stay here. It feels as if he's always been here.” Jonny Wilkinson is the top scorer this
season in French League with 169 points. He scored a record 302 points in his first season in France.
Rugby Football Union will be in talks with Toulon representatives to either have his agreement contain full international release clause or should they overlook the option to call him during exceptional circumstances.
If the latter does not happen then there will be a potential opening for Wilkinson, keeping in mind that flanker James Haskell from Stade Francais is also an outer contract this summer. On the selection of Haskell in Premiership as wished by RFU, England
would have to explain their stance on not calling Wilkinson from southern France. Damian Hopley, Rugby Players Union chief executive recently gave a warning to England that under European Law this attitude of not selecting players from abroad could be challenged.
This decision from a very experienced fly-half has severe repercussions to his international career, which is most likely to end. Rugby Football Union have stood firm by their decision and have not given any hint to create an exception for Wilkinson.
Jonny believes that all he has ever done is a step forward to improve his game. Even in France, he is representing his soil and the British game fashion and he wants to continue with it. After signing the contract he said, "I am happy where I am, it fits
the bill for me. I am enjoying the experience and I'm learning a h**l of a lot. I owe a lot to these guys.”
Wilkinson has been very imposing throughout this season, helping Toulon to acquire top spot in Heineken Cup pool. Toulon’s pool includes Munster, London Irish and Ospreys.
Last time Jonny Wilkinson played for England was in March against Scotland in Six Nations. Whether the star comes back or not remains to be seen, but it is always a treat to watch a legend playing and controlling the game single-handedly.
Tags: