Falcons hail Jonny as 'biggest name in rugby' after he signs new deal

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Wilkinson has ended speculation about his future by agreeing fresh terms at Kingston Park.

The deal, which is likely to be in excess of £500,000, sees 28-year-old Wilkinson remaining at a club he joined as a teenager.

He is currently in his 11th season on Tyneside, from where he has won more than 60 England caps and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions.

Newcastle rugby director Fletcher said: "This is a massive endorsement of where we are going as a club.

"It is no secret that Jonny has had offers from elsewhere, but this is where he sees his rugby future with the huge amount of talent and ambition at the club."

Some of Falcons' big-spending Guinness Premiership rivals and leading French clubs were monitoring developments before Wilkinson pledged his future to Newcastle.

But he has opted to remain with a side he has so far made 163 appearances for and amassed 1,991 points.

And the completion of club business comes less than a fortnight before England launch their RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign against Wales at Twickenham, when Wilkinson is expected to retain fly-half duties despite a strong challenge from exciting Wasps prospect Danny Cipriani.

Fletcher added: "Jonny is an incredible sportsman, a fine character and just a tremendous ambassador for the club and for the region.

"He is the biggest name in rugby - still the best player in the world in my opinion.

"And the fact that he wants to stay at Newcastle sends out a clear message about where this club is going and how close it is to his heart. His importance to this club is enormous.

"This is his home, it's where his pals are and it's where he believes he can fulfil his rugby ambitions, as well as helping the team reach its collective goals.

"Kevin Keegan returning to Newcastle United and Jonny Wilkinson staying at the Falcons - it doesn't get much bigger than that if you are a sports fan in this region!

"It's something that all of our supporters should be excited about.

"We've seen the impact he (Wilkinson) has made already this season, and we look forward to building this team alongside him over the next two seasons."