British and Irish Lion Leigh Halfpenny has everything that it takes to be a success at Toulon – according to the retiring Jonny Wilkinson.
Former England fly-half Wilkinson played his penultimate game for the French side this weekend as they made it back-to-back years of European success with their win over Saracens.
Joining the club next year is Wales full-back Halfpenny, the Lions man of the series during their historic victory in Australia last summer.
And while former World Cup winner Wilkinson will be a huge loss when he hangs up his boots, the 35-year-old is confident that Halfpenny can be an effective replacement – and not just because of his accurate goalkicking.
"I've spoken a fair bit to Leigh. He's going to be such a great addition to the team," said Wilkinson, who played six Tests for the Lions.
"Of course he's got all those extra skills and all those things he can do. Everyone knows that and everyone's seen it.
"It's not about whether or not you can kick the ball over the posts from there or there, it's about what you bring to the team in terms of your contribution as a person and a player in your consistency of values and ethics.
"That's what he does and that's what he's going to bring.
"What you see with him is another great professional and a world-class player.
"It's brilliant that Toulon will have the pleasure of having him contribute to the team."
