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04th Nov 2014

Video: The Toulon tribute to Jonny Wilkinson is sheer class

A fitting tribute to a legend of the game.

Conor Heneghan

A fitting tribute to a legend of the game.

It’s hard to think of anyone who commands as much universal respect in the game of rugby as Jonny Wilkinson, who called time on a distinguished career at the end of last season.

It is a measure of the impact that Wilkinson made in a five-year spell at Toulon that there were suggestions that the number 10 jersey might be retired when he hung up his boots, but he has maintained a link with the French giants by taking on a part-time coaching role so far this season.

The place that Wilkinson holds in the hearts of those involved with Toulon is evident in a tribute video simply titled ‘Merci’, which was made by Guinness and features contributions from fans as well as prominent figures from within the club such as Bernard Laporte.

http://youtu.be/mjMho7lsb2s

Considering the amount of hurt he inflicted on Ireland over the years we probably have more than enough reason to dislike Wilkinson, but as this tribute illustrates, it’s almost impossible not to admire his character and all he’s achieved over the years.

A gentleman and a legend.

Video via YouTube/GuinnessEurope