Newcastle boss John Fletcher has hailed England star Jonny Wilkinson's new two-year contract with the Falcons, claiming, "He is the biggest name in rugby."

Wilkinson has ended speculation about his future by agreeing fresh terms at Kingston Park. The deal, likely to be worth more than 650,000, sees 28-year-old Wilkinson remaining at a club he joined as a teenager.

He is in his 11th season on Tyneside, from where he has won more than 60 England caps and toured twice with the Lions.

Newcastle rugby director Fletcher said: "This is a massive endorsement of where we are going as a club.

"It is no secret that Jonny has had offers from elsewhere, but this is where he sees his rugby future with the huge amount of talent and ambition at the club."

Some of Falcons' big-spending English Premiership rivals and leading French clubs were monitoring developments before Wilkinson pledged his future to Newcastle.

But he has opted to remain with a side for which he has so far made 163 appearances and scored 1,991 points.

And the completion of club business comes less than a fortnight before England launch their Six Nations Championship campaign against Wales at Twickenham, when Wilkinson is expected to retain outhalf duties despite a strong challenge from the exciting Wasps prospect Danny Cipriani.

Fletcher added: "Jonny is an incredible sportsman, a fine character and just a tremendous ambassador for the club."