NEWCASTLE, England (AP) World Cup rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson is leaving Newcastle Falcons to join French side Toulon.

Newcastle said on its Web site that "Wilkinson is leaving the club to take up a new challenge in France."

The 29-year-old flyhalf is best known for the drop goal that sealed England's 20-17 victory over Australia in the 2003 World Cup Final in Sydney.