Jonny Wilkinson and Brian O’Driscoll are the two players of legendary status bid adieu to the sport recently. It was a fitting conclusion to their careers as both of them ended on a winning note. Jonny Wilkinson became the third captain to win back to back European Cups joining the likes of Leicester’s Martin Johnson and Leinster’s Leo Cullen. Wilkinson’s team Toulon won the Heineken Cup thanks to some of his trademark moves on the field. He received a huge response from the crowd as every on stood on their feet and cheered their hero. His all important performance for England in 2003 had made him a superstar overnight. The last game that he played in his career was the final of the French Championship against Castres. The Toulon coach hailed his most trusted player adding the fact that he was successful in bringing a new dimension to the sport.
The greatest salutation that Jonny Wilkinson received was from his teammates. Each of them had the name of the legend stitched on the collar of their jerseys along with the message ‘Merci Jonny’. The club has already taken steps to ensure that the number 10 jersey which their talisman wore be retired from consideration. Toulon boss Bernard Laporte confirmed the news that Jonny will be a part of the coaching staff of the club from now onwards. Jonny spent five years at Toulon after leaving Newcastle Falcons. He himself was quoted saying that he had no regrets in the decision that he had to finally undertake. It was becoming difficult for him at his age to compete with the young and agile players. However he shall still remain in a league of his own as the youngsters will be looking up to him for inspiration. He might be seen in coaching jobs from now onwards.