Jonny Wilkinson opted out of the Lions tour of Australia, telling Warren Gatland he had to put his club commitments first, while also being unsure if his body could handle the strain of the tour.

Gatland selected Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton as his only out-halves but has said Wilkinson may be available as an injury replacement, should he be needed.

"I rang him and asked if he was available for the tour and he wasn't available," said Gatland.

"We want everyone on the plane to Hong Kong together and he couldn't make that commitment because he is committed to Toulon.

"He said he appreciated the call but he also said, 'I am struggling with my body and managing myself week to week at the moment'.

"I think physically he would struggle to do a tour."

Toulon are currently chasing a Top 14 and Heineken Cup double and Wilkinson could have club duties right up until the day the Lions play their first game on June 1, when they come up against the Barbarians in Hong Kong. The Lions squad will leave for the tour on May 27 and Warren Gatland has expressed his desire to have his entire squad on the plane on that day.

Image: Jonny Wilkinson 

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