Former Newcastle Falcon Wilkinson could still add two more trophies to his collection with a Top 14 final against Castres to follow this weekend’s European showpiece
The fly-half, most famous for winning the 2003 World Cup for England with a dramatic drop goal against Australia, made the announcement on the website of his club, Toulon.
The 34-year-old, who will turn 35 the day after Toulon’s Heineken Cup final against Saracens on Saturday, has long been expected to call time on his playing days.
Former Newcastle Falcon Wilkinson could still add two more trophies to his collection with a Top 14 final against Castres to follow this weekend’s European showpiece.
“I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce my retirement from playing rugby,” he said.
“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.”
Wilkinson retires as one of just five men to score 1,000 points in international rugby, with his 1,246 second only to New Zealand’s Dan Carter.
Carter stated earlier this year that Wilkinson should go down as one the best players of all time.
“If I was thinking about the best rugby players of all time he would be up there,” Carter said.
“He’s the ultimate professional, probably works harder than any other player in the world and he deserves all the accolades, rewards and success he’s had throughout his career.”
Wilkinson made his debut for Newcastle in 1997 and stayed with them until 2009, winning the Premiership title in 1998 and the Tetley’s Bitter Cup in 2001.