Wilkinson joins Tana at Toulon

England's Jonny Wilkinson has joined French club Toulon from the Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal but will remain available for the national team.

Wilkinson, 29, has suffered a succession of injuries since kicking the winning drop goal for England against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final.

"He has signed a two-year deal," Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal told reporters on Monday at a presentation of the club's 16 new signings for next season.

"Jonny still has to undergo further tests but for now, everything is fine (physically).

"He wants to play the 2011 World Cup with England. He's got two years to prepare for it with Toulon. The only condition was that he would be available for England -- for the tests and the training camps."

Wilkinson has been sidelined for five months after dislocating his left kneecap during a club match.

Toulon have already signed Argentina flyhalf Felipe Contepomi for next season, when they will be coached by former France international Philippe Saint-Andre.

"He (Wilkinson) is very motivated. He has undergone some tests because we want to make sure that he is 100 percent fit when the season starts," Saint-Andre told reporters.

"He is a player who scores when the team dominate and who reassures his team mates when they suffer."

Boudjellal has attracted several internationals, including South Africa lock Victor Matfield and former Australia scrumhalf George Gregan, for short spells at the club in recent years.

Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga coaches Toulon's backs.

Toulon made sure they would play in the French top flight next season by finishing ninth in the Top 14 this year.

Other signings include Scotland wing/fullback Rory Lamont and Contepomi, as well as experienced French scrumhalf Pierre Mignoni and hooker Sebastien Bruno.

-Reuters