The sight of ‘Wilko’ in Toulon’s famous red and black shirt will not only hearten the locals as they get their first glimpse of him in competitive action, it will also leave England manager Martin Johnson a more than interested spectator.

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Wilkinson has not played a competitive game since dislocating his knee for the Newcastle Falcons back in October, but reports from Toulon suggest the international record points-scorer is in fine fettle and eager for the off.

Wilkinson told The Guardian that French rugby is “a little different to rugby in England”, but said he was relishing his new environs.

“In England we start at the beginning of September. Here it’s a little earlier but the friendlies will be important for the team and for me in terms of finding form before the season starts.

“I have always been a perfectionist but now my definition of perfection has changed. When I was younger I had specific aims and goals to achieve, but now I just want to get the best out of myself every time I train or play. It’s not as goal orientated as it was. I need to learn a lot here but I am fit and it’s not hard to play with these guys,” he said.

The 30-year-old also appeared happy that Toulon and England had managed to work out a favourable agreement to enable him to play in Toulon’s opening league fixture of the forthcoming Top 14 season.

“As far as I know at the moment I’ll be going to the training camp in England,” said the high profile fly-half. “It’s a great pleasure for me. I’m very proud to be there with that team but I will be able to finish the camp a little early to be back here in plenty of time to prepare.”

Toulon’s English team manager Tom Whitford described Wilkinson as “the perfect professional” and said the French club were absolutely delighted to have signed him.

“He not only works hard at his own game but we’ve got a 19-year-old fly-half on our books and he has been working with him every day,” said Whitford.

Tonight’s match will have an overtly English flavour with former Sale Sharks coach Philippe Saint-Andre running his eye over numerous summer recruits, including the likes of Kris Chesney, Joe El Abd, Rory Lamont, Jamie Robinson, Timmy Ryan and Tom May.

Brive have named a 28-strong squad for the game, although British Lion Riki Flutey is a notable absentee as he is still on holiday in his native New Zealand.

Former Bristol and England scrum-half Shaun Perry is, however, in the group, along with fellow new signing Jamie Noon.