Jonny Wilkinson is seriously considering a move to France, confirming recent speculation that he is finally prepared to end his 12-year association with Newcastle Falcons. The Times has learnt that Wilkinson and his advisers are undertaking a fact-finding mission to the Mediterranean in the next few days to run the rule over Toulon, one of several clubs keen to secure the services of England’s World Cup-winning fly half.

Wilkinson, 29, who is due to make his latest comeback - from a dislocated knee - against Bath at the Recreation Ground a week tomorrow, has never hidden his desire to experience French club rugby and his decision to see what Toulon have to offer is the clearest indication yet that he is ready to move across the Channel.

This weekend, when Toulon play Perpignan, Wilkinson, a fluent French speaker, and his managers will meet Mourad Boudjellal, the multimillionaire club president who has bankrolled Toulon’s return to the top division in France. From next season, Toulon will be coached by Philippe Saint-Andre, the former Sale Sharks director of rugby.

News of a possible move for Wilkinson is the latest shock for English rugby after the recent decisions by James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer, the London Wasps and England trio, to ply their trade with French clubs from next season.

Wilkinson will liaise with Martin Johnson, the England team manager, about the implications of joining the player drain before committing himself. His contract with Toulon - should he decide to join them - would have to contain international release and training camp clauses as he prepares to prove once more that he is still the best fly half in England. Few would bet against him doing so.

It is known that members of Wilkinson’s management team have been testing the water in France since the player indicated that he would consider a switch for personal and professional reasons. Phil Wilkinson, his father, was spotted in Toulon by the French press last week and he has been to Bayonne, who also play in the Top 14. Reports of a move to Racing Métro in Paris are wide of the mark.

Wilkinson has a year left on his deal at Newcastle and any move would be subject to a stringent medical examination given the succession of injuries that have dogged the England star, who has been capped 70 times. Wilkinson, in turn, may hedge his bets until he knows that Toulon are safe from relegation from the Top 14.

He has always made clear that he would not “betray” the Falcons by joining another Guinness Premiership club and it may be that a one-year contract would provide the stimulus he needs in his career, before perhaps returning to Tyneside.