Rugby
Wilkinson Pledges Himself to Newcastle
24 January 2008
Jonny Wilkinson today nailed his colours to the Falcons' mast, signing a new two-year deal to stay at Newcastle. The 28-year-old World Cup winner, currently in his eleventh season at the club, has agreed to extend his stay by another two years, with director of rugby John Fletcher stating: "This is 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."
Having made 163 appearances for the Falcons during his decade in the north-east, Wilkinson is just nine points short of kicking his 2000th point for the club.
"Jonny is an incredible sportsman, a fine character and just a tremendous ambassador for the club and for the region," said Fletcher. "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."
Wilkinson has amassed 77 points in his seven Falcons appearances this season, with Fletcher stating: "His importance to this club is 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."
In what has been a huge week for north-east sport, Fletcher added: "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."
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