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Jonny Wilkinson says Toulon youngsters can inspire him to keep playing

England great enjoying new role as mentor

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Jonny Wilkinson continues to impress for Toulon at the age of 34. Photo: AFP

Jonny Wilkinson said Wednesday his unofficial role as a ‘mentor’ to some of Toulon’s rising stars could help prolong his own playing career.

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The 34-year-old England great’s current contract with reigning European champions Toulon expires at the end of the season but he is expected to sign a new deal that will keep him with the French club.

And England’s 2003 World Cup-winning fly-half said working with the likes of Toulon and France centre Mathieu Bastareaud was helping reinvigorate his already successful career.

“I think that could help prolong things yes: I think as you get older maybe you just spend your time differently,” Wilkinson said.

“When I was younger I was rugby 24/7 and I could live like that.

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“Other interests come in as you get older and they help your rugby.

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