Wilkinson flies the Falcons nest
Jonny Wilkinson is to quit English rugby after signing a deal with Toulon, Newcastle have confirmed.
England's 2003 World Cup-winning fly-half is one of a raft of acquisitions made by the big-spending French club for next season.
Wilkinson, who is believed to have signed a two-year contract with Toulon, will end his 12-year association with the Falcons and become the latest England international to swap the Guinness Premiership for France's Top 14.
A Falcons statement read: "Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is leaving the club, to take up a new challenge in France."
Reports in France claim Wilkinson will earn 800,000 euros a season during his time at Toulon, who will be led next season by former Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre.
The injury-plagued Wilkinson, who turns 30 next Monday, has not played since dislocating a kneecap at Gloucester last September.
But Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal, no doubt expecting a surge in the sale of season tickets and replica jerseys on the back of the Wilkinson's arrival, appears to be satisfied with the England star's fitness levels and has made him the club's marquee signing for next season.
Wilkinson's debut for Toulon should come on the weekend of August 15/16 when next season's Top 14 campaign kicks off.
Riki Flutey, James Haskell, Tom Palmer, Jamie Noon and Iain Balshaw are the other England internationals who will move to France this summer.
Toulon have also confirmed the signings of Sale trio Sebastien Bruno, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Rory Lamont, Munster prop Tim Ryan, Bristol flanker Joe el Abd, Saracens back-rower Kris Chesney, Cardiff centre Jamie Robinson, Newcastle back Tom May and Leinster's Argentina international Felipe Contepomi.
