Wilkinson talks to Toulon

Jonny Wilkinson could be one step closer to leaving Newcastle after Toulon's incoming director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed the player's representatives were in talks with the French club. World Cup-winning fly-half Wilkinson has continuously been linked with a move to the Top 14 and it now seems that formal negotiations have been opened.

Wilkinson, 29, has not played for Newcastle Falcons, his only professional club, since suffering the latest in a long line of injury problems against Gloucester on Sept 30 and last represented his country more than a year ago. Saint-Andre, who is leaving Sale Sharks to join Toulon, told BBC Sport: "Jonny's people are in talks with the Toulon chairman. "I would obviously like to have as many good players as possible next season and Jonny is a top-quality player."

French clubs are not under the same financial constraints as Premiership sides and have proved an attractive proposition for out-of-contract players. Toulon have the likes of Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga, Joe van Niekerk and Sonny Bill Williams on their books, thanks to the patronage of millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal. Accepting the club's overtures may yet have an impact on Wilkinson's hopes of an international recall, though, after the Rugby Football Union made their concerns about England players leaving the country following the simultaneous departures of Haskell, Palmer and Flutey from Wasps.

Wilkinson is no longer in the RFU's elite playing squad due to his injury woes but the current party were all contacted by chief executive Francis Baron outlining the potentially harmful effect of heading abroad. Meanwhile, Sebastien Chabal returns to the Sale Sharks today as they seek to stop the down slide and look for an all-important victory over Harlequins that will seal their place in the European Cup.

Chabal will be back in action at Eagley Park after missing the last six games through injury and international duty. The Sharks have won just one of their last six Premiership games. "This is a game we have to win to give us any chance at all of finishing in the top four," said the director, Kingsley Jones. "We have two games to go, both at home and we will be going out to try and finish the regular season on a high. Harlequins were unlucky not to win last weekend against Leinster and I am sure they will be looking to bounce back from that defeat."

A win would not only see Quins claim their first league double over Sale, but will virtually seal them a Premiership play-off place. * PA Sport

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