Toulon and england rugby hero retires

ENGLAND’S 2003 RUGBY WORLD CUP HERO JONNY WILKINSON CONFIRMS HE WILL RETIRE FROM PLAYING AT THE END OF THE TOP 14 SEASON RUGBY UNION legend Jonny Wilkinson will retire at the end of the

season. The Toulon star confirmed on the club’s website what many had been speculating for some time - that he will hang up his boots at the end of this campaign. He said: "I would like

to take this opportunity to formally announce my retirement from playing rugby. It goes without saying that I have an enormous number of people to thank for their support from all around

the world but especially here in France and in England. “This however is not at all the time to be concentrating on this as I would like to focus all my attention and energy on the team and

these final two games of the season. “I sincerely thank you all for everything you have given me and for making these last 17 years something I will never forget.” England’s 2003 World Cup

hero will turn 35 on Sunday, the day after the European Cup final against Saracens in Cardiff. He made his debut for Newcastle in 1997 and scored 1,246 points for England and the British

Lions in an international career in which he was capped 91 times. He moved from northeast England to the south coast of France in 2009. He could yet lift two more trophies before calling

time on his playing career. If Toulon beat Saracens in the European Cup on Saturday, they will become only the third side in European Cup history to successfully defend their title. A week

later, Toulon will head to Stade de France for their third Top 14 final in a row - and their second consecutive showpiece clash against current champions Castres Olympique. Photo: Simon

Williams