England's Jonny Wilkinson to sign for second season with Top 14 Toulon

The England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson will shortly sign for a second season with Toulon, according to a report in the Times. "Talks are progressing well," Wilkinson's agent, Tim Buttimore, said. "He is really enjoying life out there and we want to get it sorted out sooner rather than later, a matter of a few weeks." Wilkinson, 30, moved to Toulon from Newcastle, his only previous senior club, last summer. He subsequently returned to the England elite squad and played in all three autumn Tests. Philippe Saint-André, the Toulon coach, said: "There is less pressure on him here and he looks happy. I have spoken with his agent and his dad and there are a few things to sort out, but I am confident he will stay." French Top 14 clubs have to operate under a salary cap next season. Saint-André said: "The salary cap will not be a problem." Toulon, who are seventh in the Top 14 table after a 39-3 loss to Clermont Auvergne in which Wilkinson suffered a minor back injury, are due to play at Vicarage Road against Saracens in the Amlin Challenge Cup next Thursday night.