A 5,000-strong crowd turned out to watch Jonny Wilkinson take part in his first training session for his new club, French Top 14 side Toulon, here on Thursday.

The England scrum-half, speaking in the language of his adopted homeland, said: "It was fantastic, a unique atmosphere, lots of energy.

"The fans here are a big support to the side. For me it's a nice experience and I hope it will be a memorable season and fantastic also for the supporters."

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal, watching his latest catch in kicking practice, said: "It's Wilkinson who is for the first time on the pitch at Mayol, kicking, it's an important moment!"

Boudjellal added: "For sure there's a lot of proud at seeing so many people in the stand waiting for Wilkinson but this isn't a project designed to have pride it's designed to bring happiness."

Thursday's training was taken by Philippe Saint-Andre who said of Wilikinson: "He's in fine form, he comfortably passed the medical tests, he proved that he was very well. He's hungry for rugby."

Wilkinson ended a 12-year spell with English Premiership side Newcastle, the only club he has ever played for as a professional, in May when he signed for Toulon in a deal worth up to one million euros.

Since kicking the drop-goal that won England the 2003 World Cup final against Australia in Sydney, Wilkinson's career has been blighted by a succession of injuries.

But he said on arriving in Toulon that he felt a decade younger.

AFP

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