Rugby update - Wilkinson ready to extend his contract with Toulon, World Cup participation at stake
England’s rugby legend, Jonny Wilkinson is ready to extend his contract with French club Toulon, which will put his selection in England’s World Cup squad at risk.
The story goes that, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has warned their players that only those players will be consider for selection in next year’s World Cup squad who are playing for England’s domestic league. The RFU has advised
players, who are playing in the domestic leagues of other countries, to sign contracts with local club if they want to be consider for the World Cup squad.
But Wilkinson, who is currently playing for French club Toulon has yesterday announced that he is keen to extend his contract with Toulon but he also disclosed his desire to represent England until 2015 and this is his biggest
wish to win the 2015 World Cup in front of a home crowd.
Jonny Wilkinson, who was talking to BBC yesterday, said, "I am happy where I am. I can understand where they (the RFU) are coming from and what they're saying. For me, in my situation at the moment, my main aim is to keep getting
better and I made a move a year and a half ago to try to continue to do that. I want to carry on doing that now. I am enjoying the experience and I am learning a h**l of a lot. I owe a lot to these guys."
Toulon’s Coach Philippe Saint-Andre has also confirmed the news of Wilkinson’s contract extension but he said Wilkinson is also keen to be part of England World Cup squad, especially the 2015 World Cup on home soil, when he will
be 36.
Philippe Saint-Andre said, "Jonny is very happy with us. Maybe Jonny will play two years with us and if he is still fit and happy he will then go back to England to play in the next World Cup in England in 2015."
Wilkinson, who was the protagonist behind England’s 2003 World Cup win, is still England’s first choice fly-half. Although, he has missed the recently concluded Autumn Internationals because of an injury, he is now fit and expected
to be part of England’s squad in the upcoming Six Nations tournament, where England will face Wales in the opening match on the 4th of February and if he can play in the Six Nations then he should be part of the World Cup squad.
Undeniably, Wilkinson’s services have been marvelous for England and the RFU should consider revising their new selection policy for the World Cup, so that Wilkinson can play cup and help his team to achieve the world title.
Tags: