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Rugby Union

Wilkinson signs new Falcons deal

21/01/2008

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has agreed a new two-year contract to remain with Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

The 28-year-old has been openly courted by a number of clubs in recent months as his current deal at Kingston Park was set to expire this summer.

But the star number ten, who is set to play a major role for his country in the upcoming Six Nations campaign, has decided to remain in the north-east.

And Falcons director of rugby John Fletcher hailed the news as "a massive endorsement of where we are going as a club".

"It's no secret that Jonny has had offers from elsewhere, but this is where he sees his rugby future with the huge amount of talent and ambition at the club," Fletcher said.

"Jonny is an incredible sportsman, a fine character and just a tremendous ambassador for the club and for the region.

"He is the biggest name in rugby, still the best player in the world in my opinion, and the fact that he wants to stay at Newcastle sends out a clear message about where this club is going and how close it is to his heart."

Despite a succession of injuries suffered by Wilkinson, the England international has turned out 163 times for his club and needs just nine points to pass the landmark total of 2,000 for the Falcons.

And Fletcher, who compared the news of Wilkinson's re-signing to the arrival of footballing legend Kevin Keegan in the city, described the fly-half's influence on the team and the region as a whole as "enormous".

"This is his home, it's where his pals are and it's where he believes he can fulfil his rugby ambitions, as well as helping the team reach its collective goals," he continued.

"Kevin Keegan returning to Newcastle United and Jonny Wilkinson staying at the Falcons – it doesn't get much bigger than that if you're a sports fan in this region.

"It's something that all of our supporters should be excited about.

"We've seen the impact he has made already this season, and we look forward to building this team alongside him over the next two seasons."