FOLLOWING THE OFFICIAL announcement that Jonny Wilkinson will retire at the end of the season, the tributes have understandably been rolling in for the English legend.
There is no bigger fan of the out-half than his Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal, and the comic book multi-millionaire is keen to show it. In a gesture of his respect for Wilkinson, Boudjellal will ask the LNR [Ligue Nationale de Rugby] for permission to retire Toulon’s 10 jersey at the conclusion of the current campaign.
That’s according to RMC Sport, who report that RCT’s president is hopeful that his request will be met with a positive response. It that proves the case, this would be a first in rugby, although retiring specific numbers does happen in sports such as football and basketball.
The fact that rugby teams are required to be listed from numbers one to 15, rather than by each players’ allocated squad number, makes it appear unlikely that the LNR will be willing to grant Boudjellal’s request.
However, the idea alone speaks volumes of the esteem in which Wilkinson is held in Toulon. The 34-year-old signed from Newcastle in 2009 and has embraced the die-hard rugby culture of the Mediterranean city.
Boudjellal has indicated that he wants the Englishman to become part of the club’s coaching staff next season, with Wilkinson admitting that he can see himself acting as a skills coach for Toulon. The love affair will continue.
What do you think of Boudjellal’s idea? Would this be a touching gesture for a legend of rugby or a step too far towards soccer?
