Toulon director of rugby Philippe Saint-André insists Jonny Wilkinson is the best fly-half in France – but admits the No.10 was lacking confidence following a disappointing summer tour with England.
The 31-year-old stand-off has been in fantastic form for the French Top 14 outfit this year, already leading the points scoring in the Championship, and looks set to sign a new deal to stay in the south of France.
This is a far cry from his summer with England down under when Toby Flood was handed the No.10 jersey and the dejected figure of Wilkinson was forced to watch most of the action from the sidelines.
But Saint-André insists the former Newcastle star is back to the form which saw him recognised as the world’s best fly-half and suggests boss Martin Johnson puts too much pressure on the prodigal playmaker.
He said: “Jonny was not a very happy man when he came back from the summer tour. We had to build back his confidence.
“He’s a number one, not a number two or three. For sure, he is the best fly-half in the French league. That is a fact.
“We are all keen to do it. Jonny is playing with a smile on his face. He likes his life here. No one bothers him.
“He can do his job and have his life. He doesn’t have the same pressures on him as in England, for sure. He’s sharp and he loves every minute.”
