Toulon (1/3 Top 14 outright) flanker Steffon Armitage is hoping that the French club can send Jonny Wilkinson out on a high by winning the Top 14 final against Castres on Saturday.
The former England international will take to the field for the last time this weekend, as the 35-year-old has confirmed he will end his illustrious 17-year career following the conclusion of the game.
Toulon have already managed to clinch the Heineken Cup this season when they defeated Saracens 23-6 in the final and they will be hoping to complete a trophy double come full-time on Saturday.
Wilkinson has been hailed with plaudits since he started his career at the Newcastle Falcons, and since making the switch to France, Armitage has also paid tribute to the impact and presence the fly-half has.
Armitage, who was recently named European player of the year, has insisted that the team will do everything they can to send former British & Irish Lion out on a high.
“I watched him land that drop goal in the final and to be here now with him, it’s a thing that even sometimes now I pinch myself to see if it’s true that I’m really with him,” he said.
“Jonny’s a hero of mine, he’s a legend and he will stay like that and finish like that, and we want it to finish well for him.”
Castres are the outsiders for the match on Saturday, being priced at 9/4 to lift the trophy, with many widely tipping Toulon to secure a second trophy of the season and a fairytale finish to Wilkinson’s career.
