Jonny Wilkinson: 'Steffon Armitage is in the right place'

Jonny Wilkinson has claimed that Steffon Armitage was right to join Toulon despite not being able to force his way into the England squad.

A rule preventing players from overseas clubs appearing for England had stopped Armitage from replicating his Toulon form on the international stage, but Wilkinson insists that his former teammate is in the perfect place to produce his best performances.

"It's not just about what's best for England," the World Cup winner told Sky Sports News. "It's also about what's best for Stef Armitage. At the moment he is where he needs to be.

"He played a long time in England, did some amazing stuff for London Irish, had a crack with England and did well but it didn't quite work, hence he made the decision.

"England can't guarantee Steffon Armitage and say, 'come back and you'll play'. They can't do that. They can say 'come back and we'd like to consider you', and for him, he's giving up too much for something that's not even sure."

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio defended the overseas rule on Wednesday.