Gatland rules out Wilkinson move
| 20 May 2013 14:02 |
| British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has ruled out making another offer to Jonny Wilkinson to join the forthcoming tour to Australia. |
| Wilkinson was crowned European player of the year yesterday, less than 24 hours after steering Toulon to victory over Clermont Auvergne in the final of the Heineken Cup. |
| The 33-year-old was asked to tour by Gatland before the 37-strong squad was announced on April 30, but he rejected the opportunity due to his commitments at Toulon and deteriorating fitness. |
| While Gatland confirmed that Wilkinson remains an option if either Jonathan Sexton or Owen Farrell are injured, he insists the fly-half's most recent heroics have failed to convince him another approach is necessary |
| "We've been through the conversation that we had with Jonny and nothing's changed on that," the Kiwi said. |
| "If we picked up an injury on tour then maybe there's a conversation to be had. |
| "Jonny's a good player, but we've had the conversation about him." |
