Jonny Wilkinson released to play Munster
World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has been freed from his national team camp, so he can join his Top 14 side Toulon for this weekend’s action. The fly half has chosen to get as much game time as possible after appearing for in England’s opening Six Nations
match against Wales as a second half replacement. A major fraction of Martin Johnson’s squad has been resting throughout the week for the upcoming fixture in this weekend.
Toby Flood the Leicester’s fly half will remain in England’s squad as expected in the number 10 jersey after colossal victories over Italy and Wales. This left Wilkinson with nothing but to get to his club game and utilize his skills where they are welcomed
the most.
Toulon will be playing Agen on Saturday at Stade Armandie. Wilkinson will be playing for Toulon as a starting line fly half, unlike in England’s line-up. He has been thinking about his cameo role in his national team after being called upon late in last
two Six Nations fixtures against Wales and Italy.
The news is a boost for Toulon who had to face a blow for the absence of Gavin Henson and Filipe Contepomi for this weekend’s fixture. England’s manager Martin Johnson and Toulon’s CEO Philippe Saint Andre came to an agreement today that has resulted in
the availability of Wilkinson at Stade Armandie on Saturday.
It was previously agreed between both the parties that if the World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson gets to play less than 10 minutes in the fixture against Italy, then he will be allowed to play for Toulon. He was called on the pitch in last weekend’s match
at 55th minute and it led to the worst fears of all Toulon fans waiting for his return. But after further negotiations and positive arguments Andre and Johnson came to an agreement and Johnson decided not to split hairs and let Wilkinson join the training
camp for Toulon.
On the other hand Ronan O’Gara Ireland’s backbone has also been released and will be playing for Munster. He has been also playing a cameo role for Ireland likewise Wilkinson so far and is glad to be playing for Munster this weekend.
The 33 year old Ireland’s pivot played a vital role in opening match against Italy and a drop goal by him saved Ireland from a defeat. Ireland couldn’t play in similar manner against France in Dublin and lost with a noticeable margin.
Munster will be playing Edinburgh at Thomond Park with inclusion of Ronan O’Gara, scrum half Peter Stringer and back rower Denis Leamy. It is a boost for Munster and they will making full use of it to put impact on Edinburgh.
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