Wilkinson plays down injury fears

Jonny Wilkinson declared his troublesome knee was in “perfect” condition as he was presented as a Toulon player today.

The England fly-half brought a 12-year stint with Newcastle to an end earlier this month by signing for the French Top 14 outfit on a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

Yesterday he touched down in Marseille, where he was met by Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal, after a week’s holiday in Majorca.

Wilkinson, who has not played since October due to a dislocated kneecap, is expected to see two doctors – Jean-Pierre Franceschi in Marseille and Jose Gadea in Toulon – about the knee which has been a big factor in his six years of injury woe.

However, the player himself insists he feels “better than ever”.

“I just turned 30 (on Monday), but I feel 20!” he said. “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 and now I just need to adapt to the rhythm of competition.

“I’m in the process of taking medical tests – it’s going well. I feel fresh. I’m not stupid. I know the physical demands of playing at the highest level. And I feel better than ever.”