Wilkinson and Henson were British and Irish Lions team-mates in 2005

Legendary England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson says a big effort is expected of Gavin Henson if he is to succeed at his new club Toulon.

Henson, 29, joined Toulon from Saracens in midweek having switched from the Ospreys to the London club in October.

Henson's dedication was questioned due to a 20-month absence from the sport that ended in his move to Saracens.

"While supporting him massively they'll ask for a huge input from him, which is exactly what you want," said Wilkinson.

Henson made only four appearances in a brief and unsuccessful spell with Saracens and Toulon signed him as cover for England Six Nations squad member Wilkinson and injured Argentine Felipe Contepomi.

Henson is not be available to play in Toulon's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Perpignan in April, but will instead be expected to spearhead their bid to reach the Top 14 play offs.

Wilkinson's career has been revived since his move to Toulon from Newcastle and his dedication is world renowned.

The duo toured New Zealand with the 2005 British and Irish Lions and Wilkinson said: "I can't impress upon you enough what a change to my life living in France has made. I'm sure the move to France will have the same positive effect on Gavin.

Gavin is a hugely talented player, quite unique in some ways in what he has to his game Jonny Wilkinson

"It is an exciting time for him. We have a great team spirit in Toulon.

"While supporting him massively they'll ask for a huge input from him, which is exactly what you want as a rugby player.

"The onus is very much on the player. The opportunity to enjoy it, to learn and broaden your horizons is there but it comes down to what you want to make of it.

"You have to make a decision when you go there how much you will embrace the culture and the language.

"You can choose to have the whole experience and get the very best out of it or you decide to go there and hang in.

"Some people have gone there and not enjoyed it because they haven't understood what was needed on the field.

"If you get to grips with that you'll realise there is great support out there in a fabulous region.

"If he enjoys it even half as much as I have he'll have a great time."

Henson teamed up with Saracens after being voted off the television show Strictly Come Dancing, but he did not figure at his preferred roles of fly-half or inside centre.

Henson has set his sights on a return to the international stage in time for the World Cup and was frustrated at being unable to run in his preferred position.

"I am looking forward to playing with him. We have a good end to the season in prospect," Wilkinson said.

"We are desperate to achieve something this year so there'll be some big pressure games and those are the memories you want.

"After playing with him on the Lions tour I know Gavin is hugely talented. He was outstanding and I managed to play with him in the Test.

"He is a hugely talented player, quite unique in some ways in what he has to his game. His long-kicking game mixed with his power and aggression and his defence and creativity - he's got all the skills.

"For a team like Toulon this is a good thing. You can put him in any situation and he'll find his way out of it."

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