British and Irish Lions

The 2001 and 2005 Test Lion joined Toulon from Newcastle Falcons this summer after missing out on selection for the recent Lions tour of South Africa.

And Wilkinson, who has endured a torrid run of injuries since guiding England to the World Cup six years ago, is determined to start his new adventure in style by helping his big-spending side finish at the head of the Top 14 standings.

"The season is very much a positive outlook," the 30-year-old told Toulon's official website.

"We go into every game trying to win. It's difficult when people ask about the season without saying we want to finish first. There is no point saying I hope we finish third or fourth as it means we are actually choosing to lose games. We are not choosing to lose games.

"We will deal with whatever happens. We will learn from whatever happens but we will give everything we have got every game. It's do or die for that 80 minutes and then we go into the next one.

"Hopefully that attitude will allow us to get in the play-offs and win the title."

Wilkinson played for just over an hour in Toulon's 20-6 win over the Brumbies earlier this week, adding a brace of penalties in each half to the six points he kicked on debut against Brive a fortnight ago.

He will now link up with Martin Johnson's England squad for a training camp next week before returning to France for the season opener against Stade Francais on August 14.

Having become only the ninth Welshman to pick up a Heineken Cup winners medal, Gethin Jenkins is now getting ready for his next challenge - holding on to his British & Irish Lions Test spot.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.