From the Touchlines: Right or wrong for Wilko?

At lunchtime today, Jonny Wilkinson will officially be unveiled as a Toulon player in a ceremony at the town's All Seasons Hotel.

There's a sense of irony in the choice of location as arguably England's most celebrated player has hardly been a man for any seasons because of his horrific catalogue of injuries since kicking England to 2003 Rugby World Cup success.

But the real discussion point is whether this is the right or wrong move. There are those that argue that the time is right for Wilkinson, that he has showed more than enough loyalty to Newcastle and England and that the time has come for him to get a big pay day as younger men climb past him in the England pecking order. Take the money and run, they say.

Then there are those that believe Wilkinson should show continued loyalty to the English game that helped make him a star and put his foot down to make a stand as a host of big-name English players cross the Channel for lucrative deals. There is more to life than money. Plus there is the argument that by moving away from the Guinness Premiership, Wilkinson is effectively waving goodbye to any England chance.

What are your thoughts on Wilko's France move? Is it the right or wrong thing to do? And does he still have a future with England? Post your comments below...

Comments

[Alan Miami]

Toulon must have more money than sense, let's all be honest that his career is nearing and end and he's doing it for the money, kind of reminds me of Beck's!

Toulon are spending way too much in an attempt to buy success, Wilk's will be injured or not paying 50% of the time, this club is acting like a football(soccer) club.

Love the fact Ireland really try to keeps it's players at home. I wish the game was not coming down to money as it is now, sad :(

[Iain]

Does anyone know if Toulon are in Europe next season? Would love to see Jonny boy take on an English side.

[Jim Pattison]

I'd be tempted to head out for a trip to Toulon next season to watch Jonny boy play. I bet the likes of Ryanscare must fly out there. A star turn and a great ambassador for rugby. He got my two boys into playing the game and now they're both playing at county level and loving every minute of it. So thanks a million Jonny.

[Brian Wylie]

Goodbye and good luck Jonny. You did England proud and continually got battered for your trouble. Hope to see you back in the game here after retirement

[Sam, Maidstone]

I watched him at the ceremony and he looked super relaxed, in good shape and just happy with life. Good on him as it's well deserved. Newcastle must be gutted to have lost him and Toulon must be chuffed to bits, although a tad worried he'll be an expensive injured player maybe.

[Henry Gibbs]

Consider this a bit of an ode to Wilkinson. The lad deserves the mother of all send-offs from these shores. He's been brilliant for England and for a time gave his absolute life and soul sometimes at the detriment to his own well being off the pitch. He might not be the player he once was but he's got nothing more to improve and I hope he enjoys life on the French coast. I'm assuming Toulon is on the French coast!

[Yoland]

Hopefully, his contract gives him enough pennies to pay for a barnet chop. His hair looks shocking.

[Yoland]

Go Johnny go go go.

[TagRugby]

I think it's a shame that the RFU and or a Premiership club couldn't have found the budget to hold on to Jonny Wilkinson. He still remains a rugby gem on these shores and I'm gutted to see him head off abroad. He may not have played a lot of rugby of late but he seems to come back when it matters. I hope him being in France doesn't mean he'll be forgotten and I hope it doesn't mean the departure of players like Wilkinson and the other England chaps will lead to having even more second rate Sanzar players than we currently have here right now. This needs sorting out.

[Doug]

Take the money fella and get a suntan. Well deserved.