Jonny Wilkinson ruled himself out of the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, coach Warren Gatland said after unveiling his squad on Tuesday. However, the New Zealander said fly-half Wilkinson, who a decade ago kicked the match-winning drop-goal that saw England defeat Australia in a thrilling World Cup final in Sydney, could yet be called up as a replacement.

England great Jonny Wilkinson suggested younger fly-halves were more deserving of British and Irish Lions selection despite his commanding display in Toulon's European Cup semi-final win over Saracens at Twickenham on Sunday. Returning to the ground where he was on the winning side in 36 out of 42 Tests, the 33-year-old -- who retired from England duty in 2011 -- rolled back the years by kicking all of Toulon's points with seven penalties and a trademark drop-goal in a 24-12 victory for the French club.

Jonny Wilkinson marked what could be his final appearance at Twickenham by kicking all of Toulon's points as they beat Saracens 24-12 on Sunday to set up an all-French European Cup final against Clermont. England great Wilkinson, in his first appearance at Twickenham in nearly two years, landed all seven of his penalty attempts as well as a typically brilliant late drop-goal reminiscent of the score that downed Australia in the 2003 World Cup final. "It was great to come out on top against a team like Saracens - it's a big thing for us," Wilkinson told Sky Sports.

England's World Cup winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson admitted on Monday there had been times during the present season that he had thought of brigning down the curtain on his hugely successful career. However, Wilkinson - who turns 34 on May 25 and has been playing top level rugby since he was 17 - added he had changed his mind and convinced himself he could still play another season of Top 14 rugby next term. Wilkinson is now on the verge of signing a year's extension to his Toulon contract which will keep him at the club for the 2013/14 season.