Wilkinson 'fit for French career'

Wilkinson is the latest English player to move to France

Jonny Wilkinson insists he has fully recovered from his latest injury as he prepares for his new career with big-spending French side Toulon.

The 30-year-old fly-half, who has moved to France after 12 years with Newcastle, has not played since dislocating his knee in October.

"My body is fine, the knee is perfect and now I just need to adapt to the rhythm of competition," he said.

"I'm going through medical tests, and they're going well. I feel fresh."

Wilkinson has suffered a succession of injuries since landing the drop-goal that won the World Cup for England in 2003, but after being officially presented as a Toulon player he insisted he feels "better than ever".

"I just turned 30, but I feel 20," he added. "I have not played rugby for seven months, but I was able to train and take a holiday.

"My body is fine, the knee is perfect. I'm not stupid. I know the physical demands of playing at the highest level."

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Wilkinson, international rugby union's world record points scorer with 1,032 in 70 Tests for England and 67 in six games for the Lions, has signed a two-year contract with the option to cancel after a year.

Reports have suggested the deal is worth £623,000 a year.

His signing is part of an extensive recruitment drive as Toulon's millionaire president Mourad Boudjellal attempts to turn his side into a major European force.

Clermont Auvergne scrum-half Pierre Mignoni, Leinster centre/fly-half Felipe Contepomi, Sale's Sebastien Bruno, Rory Lamont and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Munster prop Tim Ryan, Bristol flanker Joe El Abd, Saracens back-rower Kris Chesney, Newcastle back Tom May and Cardiff centre Jamie Robinson are all joining the club this summer.

Toulon, who finished ninth in the French Top 14 this season after a campaign battling relegation, will have ex-French international Philippe Saint-Andre in place as sporting director next season.

Wilkinson's debut for Toulon should come on the weekend of 15/16 August when the Top 14 campaign kicks off.