JONNY Wilkinson declared his troublesome knee was in ‘‘perfect’’ condition as he was presented as a Toulon player.

The England fly-half brought a 12-year stint with Newcastle to an end earlier this month by signing for the French Top 14 outfit on a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

On Wednesday he touched down in Marseille, where he was met by Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal, after a week’s holiday in Majorca.

Wilkinson, who has not played since October due to a dislocated kneecap, is expected to see two doctors – Jean-Pierre Franceschi in Marseille and Jose Gadea in Toulon – about the knee which has been a big factor in his six years of injury woe.

But the player himself insists he feels ‘‘better than ever’’.

‘‘I just turned 30 (on Monday), but I feel 20!’’ he said. ‘‘I have not played rugby for seven months, but I was able to train and take a holiday.

‘‘My body is fine, the knee is perfect and now I just need to adapt to the rhythm of competition.

‘‘I’m in the process of taking medical tests – it’s going well. I feel fresh. I’m not stupid.

“I know the physical demands of playing at the highest level. And I feel better than ever.’’ Newcastle, meanwhile, have appointed All Black prop Carl Hayman as their new captain following Phil Dowson’s decision to join Northampton.

Hayman, 29, joined the Falcons on a big-money contract in 2007 and will take over the leadership of the team for the 2009-10 campaign.

He said: ‘‘It’s a privilege to be asked to captain a great club like Newcastle Falcons through such an exciting chapter in its history, especially as a relative newcomer to the North-East.’’ Fly-half Jimmy Gopperth will join up with Falcons ahead of the start of the next Guinness Premiership season.

The club has agreed terms for the Blues and Junior All Black fly half to be released from club commitments with North Harbour, so the 25- year-old will join Newcastle for pre-season training.

Hooker Ross Batty has signed for Rotherham, while Tom Dillon is also departing.