Wilkinson signs deal with Newcastle
Reuters | Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Wilkinson signs deal with Newcastle - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz


England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has pledged his future to Newcastle Falcons by signing a new two-year-deal, the club has said.

The 28-year-old World Cup winner is in his 11th season with Newcastle and is just nine points short of kicking his 2000th point for them.

"This is a massive endorsement of where we are going as a club," director of rugby John Fletcher told the club's web site.

"It's no secret that Jonny has had offers from elsewhere, but this is where he sees his rugby future with the huge amount of talent and ambition at the club.

"He is the biggest name in rugby, still the best player in the world in my opinion, and the fact that he wants to stay at Newcastle sends out a clear message about where this club is going and how close it is to his heart."

Wilkinson has scored 77 points in seven club appearances this season.